“What Should My Pet Weight?”
For us, the number on the scale is not nearly as important as the body condition score (BCS) of the pet.
The body condition score (BCS) is a tool used for distinguishing differences in nutritional needs of pets. It
assigns a number from 1-9, with 1 out of 9 representing
an emaciated body condition, and 9 out of 9 representing an obese body condition.
ous. With these animals, you must use your hands as
your eyes for evaluating the BCS. Check out our blog
site for some illustrations:
http://dtlavets.com/blog/2015/12/what-should-mydog-weigh/
Still not sure what your pet’s score is? Schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians today!
Five out of 9 is just right, - that is “a perfect 10” in humans translates into a “perfect 5” for our pets! If your
pet has that perfect 5 out of 9 BCS, then whatever the
number on the scale says is right for that particular pet.
Remember that just like in humans, the body condition
of a pet will be influenced by genetics, individual metabolism, and other health conditions.
A BCS of 1/9 - 4/9 represents various degrees of being
underweight. The ribs and hip bones of these animals
are easily felt and seen. Animals in this range may have
a gastrointestinal or hormonal disease that do not allow them to assimilate the nutrients that they eat. They
may have intestinal parasites.
Or sadly they may just be homeless animals that are
only starving. It is true, however that we do prefer
some pets to achieve a 4/9 BCS if there are issues like
arthritis or a missing limb. Carrying slightly less weight
on these frames is easier for the pet and is a huge part
of pain control.
A BCS of 6/9 - 9/9 represents various degrees of being
overweight. The ribs and hips bones of these pets are
difficult or impossible to feel or see. Animals in this
range may have hormonal problems like hypothyroidism. But the honest truth is that most pets in this range
are simply being overfed by their owners.
We do prefer rapidly growing puppies and kittens to
fall into a 6-7/9 BCS but once they stop growing they
really must slide into a 5/9 BCS. There isn’t any other circumstance that we would encourage a pet to fall
into a 6-9/9 BCS.
So what are the characteristics of a perfect 5? The ribs
can be felt without excess fat covering - they should
feel like the back of your hand bones (not like the palm
of your hand and not like your knuckles). The waistline
is easily seen when viewed from above, and the abdomen is tucked up when viewed from the side.
Remember that some animals have long or fluffy coats
that make visualization of ribs and waistlines less obvi-
DTLAvets
(213) 613 1537
www.dtlavets.com