is MY pet
overweight?
They should have an
observable waist -
a tapering in from the
end of the rib cage to
the back legs
When you gently palpate
the ribs you should be
able to feel them with
only a thin layer of
fat coverage
An overweight or obese
pet will often have fat
deposits at the base of
the tail, chest and/or neck
If you are concerned
about your pet's weight
take them to see their
veterinarian. The vet will
weigh them and use the
Body Condition Scoring
system to determine if
they are overweight.
checklist
� Intolerance to exercise or
decreased stamina
� Heat intolerance
� Decreased immune system and/or
susceptibility to infection
� Heart disease
� Respiratory problems
� Hypertension (high blood pressure)
� Skin problems
� Arthritis and joint conditions
� Diabetes
� Liver disease or dysfunction
� Increased risk of cancer
� Increased anaesthetic risk
If you think that your pet may be obese it is
a good idea to take them to the veterinarian
for a check-up. A vet will look for any
underlying medical conditions as well as
help you determine the reasons behind the
obesity and how to go about helping your
pet lose weight safely. Keeping your pet in
a healthy weight range will reduce their risk
of illness and help ensure that they live a
happy and healthy life.
