Estimate if your dog is at a healthy weight.
The Body Condition Score (BCS) is the veterinary standard for assessing dog weight on a 1-9 scale: 1-3 = underweight (ribs easily visible), 4-5 = ideal (ribs easily felt, waist visible from above), 6-7 = overweight (ribs hard to feel), 8-9 = obese. Over 50% of dogs in developed countries are overweight. Each point above 5 represents approximately 10% excess body fat. Excess weight reduces lifespan by 1.8 years and increases risk of: arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems, and certain cancers. Weight management: reduce daily calories by 10-20%, increase exercise gradually, switch to a weight-management diet, and weigh monthly. A 1-2% body weight loss per week is safe.