Weighing your dog at home can be simple when broken down into a few manageable steps.
Step 1: Choose the Right Scale
Not all scales are created equal—especially when it comes to dogs.
- For Small to Medium Dogs: A regular bathroom scale will work just fine.
- For Large Dogs: Consider a pet-specific platform scale or use a method involving two people for safe lifting.
Tip: Make sure the scale is digital for more accurate readings.
Step 2: Get Your Dog Calm and Comfortable
The more relaxed your dog is, the easier this process will be.
- Choose a quiet area without distractions.
- Use treats or their favorite toy to get their attention.
- Praise and reward calm behavior throughout the process.
Bonus: Doing this after a walk or some playtime can help them feel more settled and cooperative.
Step 3: Weigh Yourself First
This is an essential step, especially if you’re using a bathroom scale and have a medium to large-sized dog.
- Step onto the scale alone and record your weight.
- This gives you a baseline to subtract later for your dog’s weight.
Step 4: Weigh Yourself While Holding Your Dog
- Pick up your dog carefully, supporting their chest and back legs.
- Step on the scale while holding them and record the total weight.
- Subtract your weight from the combined weight to get your dog’s number.
Example:
Your weight: 150 lbs
Combined weight (you + dog): 180 lbs
Dog’s weight: 180 – 150 = 30 lbs
For Larger Dogs: Alternative Weighing Methods
If your dog is too big to hold, try the crate method:
- Weigh the empty crate.
- Then weigh your dog inside it.
- Subtract the crate’s weight from the total.
This works best with crates that don’t shift too much on the scale.
Track Your Dog’s Weight Over Time
Consistency matters. Create a schedule based on your dog’s age and health:
- Puppies: Weigh once a week during growth periods.
- Healthy adults: Monthly
- Dogs with medical needs: As recommended by your vet
Record results in a notebook, spreadsheet, or pet health app to spot trends early.
Know What’s “Normal”
It’s helpful to know your dog’s ideal weight based on their breed, age.
- Ask your vet what your dog’s target range should be.
- Look for physical signs of potentional weght gain or weight loss: a visible waistline, ribs that are easily felt but not seen, and an energy level that matches their breed.
Unexplained weight changes over short periods should be discussed with a vet.
Bonus Tips for Easier Weigh-Ins
- Try weighing your dog at the same time of day for consistency.
- Keep the scale on a hard, flat surface to avoid inaccurate readings.
- Avoid weighing right after meals or big water intakes.
Not Just Numbers: Weight Tells a Bigger Story
While weighing your dog might seem like a small task, it’s a big step toward being a proactive, attentive pet owner. By making weigh-ins a part of your dog’s routine, you’re keeping an eye on their health and building trust along the way.
If you’re working on your dog’s weight due to medical or behavioral issues, combining regular tracking with support can make all the difference. And if you’re not sure where to begin, consider consulting with a local dog trainer or looking into professional guidance like Doggy Dan’s Online Dog Trainer Program—run by an expert with over a decade of experience in canine behavior.
