Body Condition Score for Dogs
What is Your Dog’s Body Condition Score, and how you can check it at home?
The Body Condition Score is an international scale, widely used to assess whether or not a dog is under weight, over weight, or at an ideal level. In this post, we talk you though the scale, from 1-9, and with the help of Veterinarian Carol Doyle, show you how you can assess your dog’s Body Condition Score at home.
The Body Condition Score is the first assessment to be carried out to determine if your dog is at a healthy size, and is used in conjunction with regular weight checks to monitor changes in your dog’s size.
Check out how to assess your cat’s BCS score here.
Body Condition Score Explained
The Body Condition Score is a ranking scale form 1-9, with 1 being dangerously thin, and 9 being dangerously obese. The ideal score for your dog is 4-5. Dogs with a score of 1-2 or above 7 should attend their vet immediately, as they may be at risk of serious health complications. If you dog is registering in these brackets, please do not attempt to adjust your pet’s diet or weight without veterinary supervision.
At all times, if your dog is showing any signs of distress, or experiences sudden weight loss or gain, please consult with your veterinarian.
BCS Ratings
BCS Rating 1/2
Your dog is severely underweight and may to have an underlying condition which is preventing them from gaining weight or causing them to actively lose weight.
Veterinary Care is now needed and you should make an appointment to see your vet straight away to begin your pet's journey to recovery.
BCS Rating 3
Your dog is slightly underweight and may not be receiving enough nutrients daily. Reviewing your pet's diet and adjusting the type or amount of food they receive daily may help. Using our food diary can help with tracking, and we can assist with a FREE Diet Review in-store if needed. If you suspect your dog may have an underlying condition, we recommend that you bring them to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.
BCS Rating 4/5
Your dog is in ideal condition & at their ideal weight. Maintain this by watching their daily food intake & keeping up their exercise routine. Adjusting their diet for any life-stage or lifestyle changes may also be necessary.
FREE Diet Reviews and in-store Weight Checks are available to help with this at any Petmania Store nationwide.
BCS Rating 6/7
Your dog is slightly overweight and may be receiving too many calories and/or not getting enough exercise. Please review their diet & reduce the amount of food they eat daily. Weight-Control Dog Food should also be considered if your pet has a higher BCS. Reducing treat intake & slightly increasing exercise duration may also help. Using our food diary can help with tracking and FREE Diet Reviews are available in-store.
BCS Rating 8/9
Your dog is severely overweight / obese and you should make an appointment with your vet immediately.
During their visit, your vet will suggest methods on how to safely get their weight under control, and will help identify and manage any other related health problems which may have developed.
If you have any concerns about your pet's health or suspect an underlying condition it is recommended that you bring them to the vet for diagnosis & treatment
1. Before the Assessment
Before you begin, give your dog lots of love and affection to help them to relax. Once your dog is comfortable, you can start to assess your dog’s health and their body condition. Include lots of gentle strokes along the way, and your pet may not even notice that they’re having a check-up!
2. Profile Check
Look at your standing dog from a side-on angle, when level with them. This will help you to get a good view of their tummy, limbs, and posture.
3. Overhead check
Look down at your standing dog from overhead. This will give you a good view of their waist and lumbar area (back).
I’ve Checked my Dog’s BCS, What Should I do Next?
If your dog is registering as a 3 or 6, you will be able to correct his BCS with some adjustments to his diet and exercise. Petmania’s pet care advisors are available 7 days a week to help you with this. Visit your local store today.
If your dog is registering as a 4-5 he is currently as his ideal size. We now need to help you to keep him there. Monitoring his diet and ensuring regular exercise is the best way to do this. Read our blog post on how to prevent your dog from gaining excess weight here.
If your dog is in the 1-2 or over 7, please make an appointment to visit his veterinarian as soon as possible.
