Our pup is (I think) overweight. When you rub his back his skin 'ripples' The skin moves underneath your hand quite a bit (ie rolls to the side).I have heard several conflicting answers to thins ranging from 'he's definitely overweight' to 'all puppies skin is rather loose to enable them to grow'. Now I'm not too sure about the last statement but I don't remember our other dogs having rolling skin. Incidentally he is actually underweight for his ideal weight for his breed at his age, but I know that all dogs grow differently. Should I be cutting his food down? He's only 4.5 months so is still fed on three meals a day. Should I start decreasing the amount of his midday meal? He does polish off everything we give him though. He was very underweight when we collected him (you could see his ribs and his hips etc were protruding - apparently he had a bad case of worms), so the vets instructed us to at first give him what he would eat (as he was a fussy eater). His appetite is fine now, I'm just worried he's too fat. I know to check an adult dog you should be able to run your hands down their sides and be able to feel their ribs - not too sure if it's the same for a pup.

Thanks

What breed is he?

you have said he is underweight for his age according to the scales.....so he is certainly not overweight. The loose rippling is the skin...not fat. Puppies have to grow into their skin. Fat feels hard and solid in a dog, not usually loose. Under no circumstances should you restrict your dogs diet without consulting your vet, who will weigh your dog and give appropriate advice. To reduce the diet at this age could result in bone and joint problems and vitamin deficiency. Please get your vet to reassure you.
Cathy.