An owner who cannot resist Fluffy's soft, pleading eyes whenever food enters the vicinity is an owner contributing to Fluffy's obesity and may even be shortening her life. An owner who cannot rouse himself for a few hours each week to make sure that Singer gets enough exercise is an owner contributing to Singer's obesity and may even be shortening his life. A guide to determine if Pal is malnourished Purina researcher Dottie La Flamme DVM, PhD, has designed a system that helps owners identify potential obesity in their pets. The dog in ideal condition has a thin layer of fat over the ribs. Overweight dogs have increasing amounts of fat over the ribs and minimal or absent waist and tuck-up.
Obese dogs have heavy fat over the ribs, along the spine, and around the tail.
Morbidly fat dogs have protruding abdomens and fat deposits throughout their bodies. Owners can examine their own dogs for a fat layer on the ribs and the visibility of a waist and tuck-up. Breed characteristics should be taken into account of course, as some breeds have more prominent ribs and tuck-ups when in optimum condition. In general, dogs with protruding bones and the appearance of muscle loss are too thin. Owners can take the situation in hand right now to prevent obesity in their dogs.