HEALTH
How to Tell if Your Dog is Obese: Body Condition Score for Dogs
Is your dog a chonky potato or a lean & mean athlete? Are they fat or just fluffy? It can get hard to tell. Dog expert Yashaswi helps you assess your dog’s fitness.
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Ensuring that our dogs are at their ideal weight is quite important for their overall health. In a country like India, where food becomes an expression of love, weight management for dogs can be quite challenging leading to a lot of obesity-related health conditions. Some dog breeds with a naturally leaner, more athletic-looking build may be perceived as skinny or malnourished and overfed, as well.
It is essential that as pet parents, we are capable of recognising the ideal body weight and shape for our dogs to ensure that they remain in the pinkest of health.
It is essential that as pet parents, we are capable of recognising the ideal body weight and shape for our dogs to ensure that they remain in the pinkest of health.
Health Risks Associated with Obesity in Dogs
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for the overall well-being and longevity of our dogs. Excess weight can lead to health issues like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease, affecting their quality of life and lifespan. Overweight dogs may experience reduced mobility, energy levels, and increased risk of injuries, impacting their ability to enjoy activities. Regular veterinary visits for weight-related issues can also be costly.
Body Condition Score for Dogs
The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a numerical & subjective scoring system used by veterinarians and pet owners as an informal yardstick to assess a dog’s body weight and body fat score. The Body Condition Score system was first introduced in the 1990s by Dr Dottie Laflamme and her team to evaluate the percentage of body fats in both cats & dogs. While there are two widely used BCS scales, one ranging from 1-5 and the other from 1-9, the latter is more precise and can help us notice more subtle changes.
Assessing Your Dog's Body Condition Score
To determine your dog's body condition score, you can perform a simple visual and tactile examination. Here are three things to look for:
- Ribs: Run your hands along your dog's rib cage.
- Waist: View your dog from above.
- Abdominal Tuck: View your dog from the side while standing.
Illustration by: Association for Pet Obesity Prevention
If your dog is at a 1 or 2- They may be considered "Very Thin”
If the dog is at 3 or 4 - They may be considered "Thin”
If the dog is at 5 or 6 - They may be considered “Ideal”
If the dog is at 7 or 8 - They may be considered “Overweight”
If the dog is at 9 - They may be considered “Obese”
- Ribs, spine and hip bones are easily visible (coat may interfere with observation).
- Fat cannot be seen or felt under the skin.
- Obvious loss of muscle mass.
- Extreme waist and abdominal tuck.
If the dog is at 3 or 4 - They may be considered "Thin”
- Ribs, spine, and hip bones are easy to feel and visible.
- Fat cannot be seen or felt under the skin, especially around the ribs and lower back.
- Obvious waist and abdominal tuck.
- Some muscle loss.
If the dog is at 5 or 6 - They may be considered “Ideal”
- Ribs, spine, and hip bones are easily felt and may be visible (coat may interfere with visibility).
- A waist and abdominal tuck are seen when viewed from above and side.
- Fat can be felt around ribs, spine and hip bones.
If the dog is at 7 or 8 - They may be considered “Overweight”
- Ribs, spine, and hip bones are visible and difficult to feel.
- Excess fat is felt around the ribs, spine and hip bones.
- Waist and abdominal tuck are minimal or absent.
If the dog is at 9 - They may be considered “Obese”
- Ribs, spine, and hip bones are difficult to feel under a thick layer of fat.
- Waist and abdomen distended when viewed from above and side.
- Prominent fat deposits over the lower spine, neck and chest.
Body Condition Score System for Dogs is meant to help pet owners assess their dogs' ideal physique, but it's important to take into consideration factors such as your dog's breed, age, and health conditions. Consult your primary veterinarian and trainer if your dog falls at either extreme end of the scale to determine if dietary or lifestyle changes are needed.
Happy Pet Parenting!
Happy Pet Parenting!
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