Body Condition Scoring: Is Your Pet the Right Shape?

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the simplest ways to help your pet live a longer, more active life. Extra pounds can put strain on joints, the heart and other organs, and in the long term, increase the risk of conditions like obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

But how can you tell if your pet’s weight is healthy? Our team at Estcourt Vets share easy visual and hands-on checks you can do at home.

Contact our friendly veterinary team in Devizes to book a weight check and get personalised nutrition advice for your pet.

Book a weight and wellness check

The body condition score (BCS) system

Our vets in Devizes use something called the body condition score to assess a pet’s shape as this is one of the factors in determining whether they are overweight or underweight. It’s a simple scale (usually from 1 to 9) where the middle range represents a healthy weight. At home, you can apply similar principles by looking at and feeling your pet’s body.

Visual checks for a healthy shape

Our nursing team at Estcourt Vets explain that you should start by standing above your pet and looking down at them, and then from the side:

• Dogs: You should see a slight waist behind the ribs when viewed from above, and a gentle tummy tuck when seen from the side.
• Cats: A visible waistline is ideal, though not as pronounced as in dogs. Avoid a sagging belly pouch, which can indicate excess fat.
• Rabbits and small furries: Shapes vary, but they should not appear rounded or have bulging sides when relaxed.

Hands-on checks for body condition

Estcourt Vets’ nurses advise running your hands gently over your pet’s ribcage:

• Healthy weight: Ribs are easy to feel but not sticking out. There’s a light covering of fat over them.
• Underweight: Ribs, spine, or hip bones are very prominent with little flesh covering.
• Overweight: Ribs are difficult to feel without pressing firmly, and you may notice a thicker fat layer over the back and base of the tail.

Why regular checks matter

Our team in Devizes explain that weight can creep up gradually, especially in pets with thick coats where changes are harder to spot. By doing monthly checks, you’ll be more likely to notice small changes early and can adjust diet or exercise before health problems develop.

Helping your pet reach a healthy weight

If you think your pet might be over or under their ideal weight, don’t panic. Small changes in feeding and activity can make a big difference.

Not sure what your pet’s ideal weight is or how to help them achieve it? Estcourt Vets’ team can help you understand what your pet should weigh and why. They will then create a tailored plan to help get your pet back into shape safely, avoiding the risks of crash dieting or sudden exercise increases. Just contact our vets in Devizes to book an appointment.

Book a weight and wellness check