Checking Your Pet’s Weight at Petmania

Checking your dog or cat’s weight is important as it can help you understand the health status of your pet. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to check their weight regularly and to take action if necessary. Managing your pet’s weight can not only help prevent obesity, but also help manage their mobility and prevent joint stiffness.

Here at Petmania, you can check your dog’ and cat’s weight for free by using our weighing scales that are available in all 15 locations nationwide. We’ve put together a helpful guide on how you can use the in-store weighing scales to help you manage your beloved four legged friend’s weight, keeping them healthy and happy!

How To Use Petmania Weighing Scales

Checking your pet’s weight in-store couldn’t be easier. Check out the steps below on how you can avail of this free service.

1. Firstly, turn on the weighing scales, and wait for it to set to 0.
2. Gently pop your pet on the scales, and wait for a moment until their weight shows.
3. And that’s it!

What If My Pet Doesn’t Stay Still?

Dogs

If your dog is a bit over-excited, pop yourself on the weighing scales along with your dog so you can secure them, and make note of your combined weight. Then, set the scales to zero again by pressing the ‘tare’ button and weigh yourself only. Subtract the difference between the two weights and now you have the weight of your pet.

Cats

Make sure your cat is on a harness so if they do decide to go exploring elsewhere, they won’t stray too far! We recommend you pop yourself on the weighing scales along with your cat so you can secure them, and make note of your combined weight. Then, set the scales to zero again by pressing the ‘tare’ button and weigh yourself only. Subtract the difference between the two weights and now you have the weight of your pet. You can also do this with your cat in a carrier or crate.

What is Body Condition Score?

The Body Condition Score is an international scale, widely used to assess whether or not a dog or cat is under weight, over weight, or at an ideal level.

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 or cats 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 dogor cat 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 pet is showing any signs of distress, or experiences sudden weight loss or gain, please consult with your veterinarian.

Vet Carol Doyle has put together a helpful guide on how you can check your dog’s BCS here. 

Why Is Weighing My Pet Important?

Your pet’s weight can be a great indicator of their health. If you find your pet is under or overweight, it is important to take them to the local vet so they can provide any necessary steps to get them to their ideal weight. Regular visits to the vet and weight logs can help your vet determine if your pet is gaining or losing weight, as both can pose health issues for our furry friends.

How Often Should I Weigh My Pet?

If your pet’s Body Condition Score, or BCS is in the ‘ideal’ category, a weight check every 3 months is advised.

If your pet is on a diet, you should track his weight alongside his BCS at least every 4 weeks

Pets with medical conditions causing a decrease in appetite or water consumption should be weighed much more frequently, in order to detect any major changes quickly.

How to Check Your Pet’s Weight at Home

If your pet is small enough to lift, and you can hold him still for at least a few seconds, then you can weigh him on your bathroom scale. If your pet does not like being picked up and held, do not force him to be weighed this way, and instead adopt the method mentioned above where you weigh yourself, then weigh your pet, and subtract your weight from the combined weight of you and your pet to determine his weight.

Weight Tracker Service

We offer a free weight-tracking and reminder service in-store for all dogs and cats. Register with us in-store and we will store your pet’s weight and BCS on their record, helping you to track their weight at every visit. We will also send you free reminders when your pet’s next weight check is due, helping you to keep your pet on the right track.

If you would like some help during this process, you can feel free to speak with a member of the Petmania team and we will be more than happy to help.