Is your Pet Fat? How to Tell

Use this three-step test to determine if your pet may have put on a few extra pounds. Not sure if your pet is overweight? Use this three-step test to determine if your pet may have put on a few extra pounds.

1. You should be able to feel your pet's backbone and ribs when you run your hands along their body. If you have to press to feel their ribs, there is too much fat on your pet.

2. When you look at your pet from above, you should be able to see a noticeable "waist" between the hips and the back of the rib cage.

3. When you look at your pet from the side, there should be a "tuck" in your pet's tummy. Their belly should go up from the bottom of the rib cage to inside the thighs. If the stomach hangs, there may be too much fat on your pet.

See Petside's tips about slimming down dogs and cat diets, and talk to your vet.