How can I tell if my dog is overweight?

Check three things:

• Ribs: you should feel them easily under a thin layer of fat.
• Waist: from above, there should be a visible waist behind the ribs.
• Tummy: from the side, the belly should tuck up.

If you can't feel the ribs or see a waist, your dog is likely overweight. Cut treats, measure food with a scale or cup, and add walks. Your vet can give a target weight and safe rate of loss, about 1–2% of body weight a week.