Keeping your dog or cat at their ideal weight is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Excess weight not only robs them of agility; it also shortens their life expectancy and increases the risk of diseases such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, and heart problems.
Look at and touch the ribs:
You should be able to feel them easily with your hand, covered by a thin layer of fat, but without protruding too much.
The waistline counts:
When viewed from above, your dog or cat should show a slight waist behind the ribs.
Look at the abdomen:
In profile, the abdomen should be slightly tucked in. If it hangs too much, there is excess weight; if it is tucked in too much, you may be underweight.
Check the base of the tail and neck:
If you notice soft fat pads in those areas, you probably have extra pounds.
Pay attention to cats' bellies:
A small, swaying belly is normal, but if the entire abdominal area looks rounded and heavy, it is usually accumulated fat.
Remember:
Ideally, you should keep track of your pet's weight at home and reinforce this with regular veterinary checkups to detect any changes early on and keep their health under control.
