Your dog’s body shape

Great news! From the image you selected, it looks like your dog is an ideal weight.

Dogs need to be at a healthy weight to live their best lives, so it is essential that owners keep a close eye on their pet’s shape and weight. That way, if your dog suddenly loses a lot of weight or they pile on the pounds, you can help get them back on track.

To help your dog maintain their ideal weight, here are our top tips:

  • Treats – The occasional treat is fine, but make sure the number of food treats doesn’t start to creep up.
  • Diet – Stick to the same food, weighing it out daily based on your dog’s ideal weight.
  • Exercise – Go with the exercise routine that suits your dog – whether that’s lengthy walks or shorter, more frequent walks, swimming or playing fetch.
  • Routine – Feed your dog at the same time and same place each day.
  • Shape –check your dog’s shape regularly so you spot any changes.

Click on the cards below for our expert advice on feeding your dog treats, doggy diets, exercise, and Body Condition Scoring (BCS).

A depiction of an ideal weight dog and a list of ways you can tell if your dog is an ideal weight

Treats

We all want to make our dogs feel loved. And for many of us, that means giving in to their puppy dog eyes with a yummy treat. Read our do’s and don’ts on treating your four-legged friend.

Treat tips

Exercise

Our dogs rely on us to give them the exercise they need to be fit and healthy. How much exercise your dog needs depends on their type, age and health. Discover our exercise advice.

Exercise advice

Diet

Dogs come in many shapes and sizes. The type and amount of food they need depends on your particular pooch. Read our advice on feeding your dog the right diet.

Diet advice

Body Condition Scoring

Body Condition Scoring (BCS) helps owners and vets assess a pet’s body shape to check if they’re healthy. Read about how to check if your four-legged friend is in shape.

How to Body Condition Score

For more top tips and expert vet advice on how to improve your pet’s diet and exercise regime, download our free Weigh Up diet and exercise guide.