Evaluate Your Dog's Body Condition
Emaciated
Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones and all bony prominences evident from a distance. No discernible body fat. Obvious loss of muscle mass.
Underweight
Ribs easily palpable with minimal fat covering.
Waist easily noted when viewed from above.
Abdominal tuck evident.
Heavy
Ribs palpable with difficulty, heavy fat cover.
Noticeable fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail.
Waist absent or barely visible. Abdominal tuck may be absent.
Very thin
Ribs, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones easily visible. No palpable fat. Some evidence of other bony prominence. Minimal loss of muscle mass.
Ideal
Ribs palpable without excess fat covering. Waist observed behind ribs when viewed from above. Abdomen tucked up when viewed from the side.
Obese
Ribs no palpable under very heavy fat cover, or palpable only with significant pressure. Heavy fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail. Waist absent. No abdominal tuck. Obvious abdominal distention may be present.
Thin
Ribs easily palpated and may be visible with no palpable fat. Tops of lumbar vertebrae visible. Pelvic bones becoming prominent. Obvious waist and abdominal tuck.
Overweight
Ribs palpable with slight excess fat covering. Waist is discernable viewed from above but is not prominent. Abdominal tuck apparent.
Grossly obese
Massive fat deposits over thorax, spine and base of tail.
Waist and abdominal tuck absent. Fat deposits on neck and limbs. Obvious abdominal distention.
