How can you tell if your pet is overweight?

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

Especially furry guys - it's so hard to tell. I don't mean like obviously obese, but if he or she weighs a pound or three too much. I just figure they're more cuddly this way, but should it bother or concern me? What should I do? Thanks for any input!

[China_cat]

1. Rest your thumbs on the cats spine

and feel the rib cage with your fingers. You should be able to feel the ribs with only slight pressure.

Feeling them with no pressure at all means it's too thin, not being able to feel them at all means too fat.

Rule of thumb...20 to 30 calories per pound per day. 20 calories per pound to lose weight, 25 to maintain and 30 to gain. You'll find the caloric content on the bags or cans.

[Eurobabe]

2. If your cat looks like a low rider

then it is obese.

Sorry, couldn't resist, because my oldest cat looks like a souped-up Honda CRX. You can barely see his legs, he hangs at the ground. No diet food has ever worked for this guy. He's just fat and happy.

[Longhorn]

3. My vet said dogs should have a somewhat "hour-glass figure"

when you view them from above. If they have a "sausage" figure, they're likely overweight.

[mermaid]

4. Generally, Yes...BUT....

Not true with ALL breeds. Example, Labs are a bit stockier than other breeds of dogs, so the "hourglass" won't be quite as pronounced as it would be on other breeds...and they're still healthy.

Genrally, I say, with a dog...if they are such that you cannot SEE their ribs when they are in a relaxed sitting or standing position...but you CAN feel the ribs, then you're okay. (And I mean feel the ribs with a very light pet over the ribs.) If you SEE the ribs, probably underweight. If you CAN'T feel the ribs, probably overweight.

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

5. thanks to all for your help! n/t