How to Feel a Dachshund's Ribs to Check Their Weight

Daddy started running his fingers slowly along my ribs, and I did not know what was happening. It felt really good — until he got to the other side. Something about that second pass hit different. I got a funny feeling. I squirmed. I could not decide if I wanted him to stop or do it ten more times.

He was not tickling me. He was doing a rib check, and apparently it told him everything he needed to know about my weight.

What Is the Rib Check?

The rib check is one of the simplest ways to gauge whether your dachshund is at a healthy weight. You do not need a scale. You just need your hands.

Run your fingers gently along your dog’s sides, over the ribcage. What you are feeling for:

• Ribs you can feel with light pressure — this is the goal. A healthy weight means the ribs are palpable but not poking out.
• Ribs you have to press hard to find — this suggests extra weight is padding them. Time to look at the food bowl situation.
• Ribs you can see without touching — the dog may be underweight and could use more food and a vet visit.

A helpful way to picture it: make a fist and run your fingers over your knuckles. That’s too bony. Now lay your hand flat and feel the back — that is closer to what you want to feel on your dog’s ribs.

Why This Matters More for Dachshunds

Our long spines and short legs already put us at risk for IVDD (intervertebral disc disease). Extra weight makes that worse. Every pound we carry adds pressure to the discs in our backs, and dachshunds cannot afford that. Knowing how to feel ribs on a dachshund to check weight is one of the easiest preventive things an owner can do at home.

Daddy checked my ribs and decided I need more walks and maybe fewer treats. I am choosing not to be offended by this. He was using his hands on me, which I support in all forms.

How Often to Check

Once a month is plenty for most dogs. If your dachshund has a history of weight gain or is on a diet, every two weeks gives you better feedback than waiting for a vet visit.

I will allow the rib checks to continue. I squirmed, yes, but I was not actually opposed to it. If anything, I think it should happen more often, and with slightly warmer hands next time.