How to Tell if Your Pet Is Overweight
Is Your Pet Overweight? An Easy Guide by Gary’s Pet World
Are you worried that your pet might be carrying a few extra pounds? Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is important for their long-term happiness and well-being. At Gary’s Pet World, we’re pleased to offer a free pet weight check service—but you can also get started right at home with a simple DIY method.
Why Your Pet's Weight Matters
Being overweight can lead to a range of health problems for pets, including:
- Shorter lifespan
- Joint pain or arthritis
- Diabetes and heart issues
-
Trouble playing or moving
Detecting weight problems early is the best way to keep your furry friend healthy and active.
How to Weigh Your Pet at Home
If you don’t have a special pet scale, don’t worry! Here’s a simple method you can use with any digital bathroom scale:
1. Weigh Yourself
- Step on a digital scale alone.
- Record your weight.
-
Step off the scale.
2. Weigh Yourself Holding Your Pet
- Gently pick up your pet.
- Step back on the same scale holding your pet.
-
Note the combined weight.
3. Calculate Your Pet’s Weight
- Subtract your weight (from step 1) from the combined weight (from step 2).
-
The difference is your pet’s weight!
Example:
Your weight: 70kg
You + your pet: 82kg
Pet’s weight: 82kg – 70kg = 12kg
Is My Pet Overweight?
Look out for these signs:
- You can’t easily feel their ribs when you run your hands along their sides.
- They have lost their visible waistline.
-
Their belly sags or moves side to side when they walk.
If you’re unsure, compare your pet’s weight to typical standard weights for their breed and age, or bring them in for an expert opinion.
Free Pet Weigh-In at Gary’s Pet World
To make things even easier, Gary’s Pet World offers a free pet weighing service. Just bring your pet along—our friendly team will check their weight and answer any questions you have about healthy pet care. Regular weight checks can help catch problems early and keep your pet happy and healthy.
Visit us soon—keeping your pet healthy is part of our passion!
Here is a detailed weight guide for the top 30 dog breeds, with healthy weight ranges given in kilograms (kg) for adult males and females. These are general guidelines—individual ideal weight can vary depending on age, build, and activity level.
|
Breed |
Male Weight Range (kg) |
Female Weight Range (kg) |
|
Affenpinscher |
3.2 kg |
3.2 kg |
|
Afghan Hound |
22.7 kg |
22.7 kg |
|
Airedale Terrier |
22.7 kg |
22.7 kg |
|
Akita |
45.4 kg |
31.8 kg |
|
Alaskan Malamute |
38.6 kg |
34.0 kg |
|
American English Coonhound |
20.4 kg |
20.4 kg |
|
American Eskimo (Standard) |
11.3 kg |
11.3 kg |
|
American Foxhound |
29.5 kg |
27.2 kg |
|
American Hairless Terrier |
5.4 kg |
5.4 kg |
|
American Staffordshire Terrier |
24.9 kg |
18.1 kg |
|
Anatolian Shepherd |
49.9 kg |
36.3 kg |
|
Australian Cattle Dog |
15.9 kg |
15.9 kg |
|
Australian Shepherd |
22.7 kg |
18.1 kg |
|
Basenji |
10.9 kg |
10.0 kg |
|
Basset Hound |
18.1 kg |
18.1 kg |
|
Beagle |
9.1 kg |
9.1 kg |
|
Bearded Collie |
20.4 kg |
20.4 kg |
|
Belgian Malinois |
27.2 kg |
18.1 kg |
|
Belgian Sheepdog |
24.9 kg |
27.2 kg |
|
Bernese Mountain Dog |
36.3 kg |
31.8 kg |
|
Bichon Frise |
5.4 kg |
5.4 kg |
|
Black and Tan Coonhound |
29.5 kg |
29.5 kg |
|
Bloodhound |
40.8 kg |
36.3 kg |
|
Border Collie |
13.6 kg |
13.6 kg |
|
Border Terrier |
5.9 kg |
5.2 kg |
|
Borzoi |
34.0 kg |
27.2 kg |
|
Boston Terrier |
5.4 kg |
5.4 kg |
|
Boxer |
29.5 kg |
22.7 kg |
|
Bulldog |
22.7 kg |
18.1 kg |
|
Bullmastiff |
49.9 kg |
45.4 kg |
These weight ranges are approximate and suitable for healthy, average adults. For best accuracy, regularly check your dog’s shape and condition and consult with a vet if unsure about your dog's ideal weight. If your breed is not listed, let me know, and I can give you more specific guidance or add another breed to the list!