Der Rippentest: Ist Ihr Hund übergewichtig?

Two dogs of the same breed can carry very different amounts of fat, even if they weigh the same. One might be lean and muscular, while the other is slightly overweight, hidden under a thick coat. The scale alone won't reveal this. A simple hand test will. Here's how it works, what the results mean, and what to do if the answer is yes.

How can you tell if your dog is overweight?

Veterinarians use a method called the Body Condition Score. This involves assessing your dog's ribs, waist, and abdomen, rather than relying solely on a number on the scale. You can perform the same three checks at home in under a minute. Touch is more important than sight, as thick or long fur can completely conceal excess fat.

• Feeling for ribs: Place both hands flat against your dog's side and apply gentle pressure. You should be able to easily feel each rib under a thin layer of fat. If you have to press hard, or can't feel them at all, this is a sign of being overweight.
• Find the waist: Stand over your dog and look down. There should be a visible indentation behind the ribs, like an hourglass. A straight or wide line means there is no visible waist.
• Check the abdomen: Viewed from the side, the abdomen should rise from the lower ribcage upwards towards the hind legs. A flat abdomen or one that hangs below the ribs indicates excess weight.

Perform all three checks together. A dog can pass one and fail the other two. Only the combination of all three provides a reliable picture.

What do the different results mean?

The scale ranges from 1 to 9. Most healthy dogs score 4 or 5. This is what the levels above look like in practice.

• 4–5, ideal: ribs are easily felt, a waist is visible from above, and the abdomen rises clearly at the sides.
• 6-7, overweight: The ribs require more pressure, the waist is barely visible, and the belly hardly rises anymore.
• 8–9, obese: Ribs are difficult to feel even with firm pressure. There is no longer a waistline, and fat deposits may be visible along the spine and at the base of the tail.

Sporty dogs sometimes deliberately aim for the slimmer end of this scale. For almost all others, 4 or 5 is the right target.

Why can your dog appear fit and still be overweight?

Weight gain often happens slowly, over months, bit by bit. This makes it difficult to notice in everyday life. Thick fur can completely hide a vanished waistline, and owners often overestimate their own dog's weight compared to what a veterinarian would say.

This isn't a criticism. It's simply difficult to remain objective with an animal you see every day. If your dog's last score was above 5, or if you're unsure, have the score confirmed by your veterinarian at your next visit. Once you know what your dog's ideal condition feels like to your hands, the test will be much easier next time.

What should you do if the test shows you're overweight?

Portion control, not a radical diet, is what really works. Two changes make the biggest difference. Feed your dog for their target weight, not their current weight. Include treats in their daily ration, rather than treating them as extras – they should be less than one-tenth of their daily food intake.

Aim for slow, steady weight loss. Veterinarians consider about 1 to 2 percent of body weight per week a safe rate. A 20-kg dog will lose about 200 to 400 grams per week at this pace. This is a slow rate, and that's intentional: reaching a healthy weight takes several months. Faster weight loss risks muscle loss and nutrient deficiencies, not just increased hunger.

If your dog is gaining weight without eating more, or losing weight despite a normal appetite, consult your veterinarian before making any changes. A thyroid disorder can affect weight regardless of diet. A quick examination will rule this out before you spend months adjusting portion sizes that were never the actual problem.

Weight changes slowly, so a single weigh-in is almost meaningless. What's important is the trend over several weeks, which is easily forgotten. With Keia, you can save a dated weight reading at each check-up, so the trend remains visible on your phone instead of being scattered across old vet receipts. If you also track your dog's overall growth and diet, that fits into the same routine .

This article is for general information purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, contact your veterinarian. In an emergency, call the nearest clinic immediately.

Häufig gestellte Fragen (FAQ)

Can I put my dog on a diet without speaking to the vet first?

If your dog is only slightly overweight – scoring 6 instead of 8 or 9 – you can usually start by feeding smaller portions yourself. For more significant changes, it's best to consult your veterinarian, especially if you're unsure about the target weight or if your dog already has a health issue. They can also confirm the score and rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Why is my dog gaining weight without eating more than usual?

Häufige Ursachen sind versteckte Kalorien durch ein anderes Familienmitglied, weniger Bewegung ohne kleinere Portionen, oder eine hormonelle Ursache wie eine Schilddrüsenstörung. Steigt das Gewicht Ihres Hundes stetig ohne klaren Grund, lohnt sich ein Tierarztbesuch, statt es allein auf die Fütterung zu schieben.

Ist es normal, dass ältere Hunde zunehmen?

Das kommt häufig vor, muss aber nicht einfach hingenommen werden. Der Stoffwechsel verlangsamt sich mit dem Alter, und oft sinkt auch die Aktivität. Die richtige Portion mit zwei Jahren kann mit acht Jahren zu viel sein. Der Test bleibt gültig – wiederholen Sie ihn alle paar Monate und passen Sie die Portionen an, während Ihr Hund älter wird.

Machen manche Rassen den Rippentest weniger zuverlässig?

Ja. Tiefbrüstige Rassen, kompakte Rassen und jeder Hund mit dichtem oder langem Fell können das Auge täuschen. Deshalb zählt der Tastsinn mehr als der Blick. Wenn Sie das zum ersten Mal machen, lassen Sie Ihre erste Einschätzung vom Tierarzt bestätigen.

Wie oft sollte ich den Body Condition Score meines Hundes prüfen?

Während eines aktiven Abnehmplans wiegen Sie Ihren Hund alle zwei Wochen und wiederholen den Handtest etwa einmal im Monat. Waage und Gefühl entwickeln sich nicht immer im gleichen Tempo. Ist ein gesundes Gewicht erreicht, reicht eine Kontrolle alle zwei Monate, um eine erneute Zunahme rechtzeitig zu bemerken.