It’s hard to pinpoint an “average” dog weight, because breeds vary in size and type — for example, the graceful Greyhound and the short-legged Basset Hound both weigh 60 pounds, but the two breeds have different body sizes and metabolic needs.
So instead of comparing a dog’s weight to a standard chart, a group of veterinary researchers came up with a better way: They conducted a nutritional study that showed that an animal’s target weight is best estimated by combining body weight and body condition score (BCS).
Step 1: Calculate your dog’s body condition score
Body condition score is a common tool used to estimate the amount of fat on the body. A dog’s BCS is most commonly assessed on a nine-point scale, with dogs scoring in the middle of the scale (4 or 5 out of 9) having a healthy body condition.
Dogs with a score of 1 to 3 are considered underweight, while a score of 6 or 7 indicates that the dog is overweight. Obese dogs typically receive a BCS score of 8 or 9, but morbidly obese dogs can have a BCS of over 9.
BCS is assessed by visually and, more importantly, tactilely inspecting the ribs, abdomen, and waistline.
The ribs should be palpable and covered with a minimum of fat and when viewed from above, the slight inward curve behind the ribs should reveal your dog’s waistline.
When you look at your dog from the side, you should be able to see an “abdominal tuck” – a slight upward curve of the abdomen behind the ribs.
An overweight dog will have excess fat covering their ribs and not showing off their waistline or abdomen. In contrast, an underweight dog will have an accentuated waistline and abdomen, highlighting their ribs, pelvis and spine, and not show off any fat.
Step 2: Calculate your dog’s target weight
Once you know your dog’s BCS, you can use it to calculate their ideal weight, a method devised by researchers at the University of Liverpool and Royal Canin.
To estimate your dog’s ideal weight, follow these steps:
procedure
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Example: A 50 lb dog with a BCS of 9
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1. Subtract 5 from your dog’s starting BCS.
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9-5 = 4
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2. Multiply that number by 10.
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4×10＝40
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3. Add 100.
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40 + 100 = 140
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4. Divide 100 by the result of step 3. Round to 3 digits.
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100 / 140 = .714
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5. Multiply that by your dog’s current weight.
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.714 x 50 lbs = 35.7 lbs
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Dog’s target weight:
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35.7 pounds
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The formula used to calculate the above table is:
Let’s plug the numbers for a 50 pound dog into the formula below.
By our calculations, the target weight (after weight loss) for this 50 pound dog is 35.7 lbs. Dogs with different BCSs will have different target weights.
Why it’s important to know your dog’s ideal weight
Knowing your dog’s ideal weight can help you plan a successful weight loss program, and it can also help you determine what weight your dog should be if he is underweight or unexplainedly underweight.
Pets who need to lose weight
Pet weight loss programs usually involve some degree of calorie restriction to help your dog lose weight gradually. Having a target weight in mind can help your veterinarian estimate your dog’s daily calorie needs and figure out exactly how much to feed him.
With dietary changes and regular exercise, your dog’s metabolic needs may change as he begins to lose weight, so regular monitoring, including monthly weigh-ins and BCS measurements, is important to ensure your pet reaches their weight goal safely and healthily.
Underweight pets
Determining your pet’s body score and ideal weight can also be helpful for pets who are underweight. If your pet isn’t at his or her ideal weight, you can work with your veterinarian to find out if they need to eat more or if an underlying health issue is to blame.
Weight loss without an obvious reason can be the result of a variety of conditions, including parasites, cancer, kidney disease, advanced heart disease, diabetes, Addison’s disease, gastrointestinal disorders, dental problems, stress, and changes in diet.
Whether your pet is overweight or underweight, your vet will be able to understand the problem and give advice tailored to their individual needs.
Featured Image: iStock.com/primeimages
