Ideally you will be able to see its waist tucked behind the ribs. If you can see the outline of your dog's individual ribs and the waist is noticeably more narrow than its ribcage, then your pet is underweight; however, if the waist is in line with the ribs or bulges out past them then it is overweight.
What does a underweight dog look like?
You have an underweight dog if their ribs are easily palpated (felt) and may be visible, with no palpable fat covering them. The tops of their lumbar vertebrae are visible, their pelvic bones becoming prominent, and they have a prominent waist.
How can you tell if your dog is underfed?
Dogs who have been underfed will show signs of canine lethargy, will appear skinny, and can even develop further health complications if gone untreated. If your dog appears to be skinnier than the average, make sure you ask your vet for specific instructions on how much and how often you should be feeding your pup.
How do I know if my dog is a healthy weight?
Looking at your dog from above, if you notice that the pup looks rather rotund and oval-shaped, it's likely that your dog is fat. If, on the other hand, you notice that your dog has a defined waist toward the rear and a straight build down the sides, then they're probably at a healthy weight.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
Can 1 peanut hurt a dog?How can I tell if my dog is overweight?
