More than half the U.S. pet population (i.e., more than 50 million dogs and 56 million cats) are overweight or obese. Unfortunately, many pet owners don’t know how to assess their pet’s body condition or do not realize that a few extra pounds can increase their pet’s risk for life-altering diseases such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and kidney failure.

Protect your pet’s health by performing a body assessment. This quick test takes less than 60 seconds and, along with guidance from your trusted southeast Texas Neighborhood Veterinary Centers veterinarian, has the potential to help you reclaim your pet’s health and add years to their life.

15 seconds or less: Feel your pet’s ribs

Fat is a natural insulator that regulates your pet’s temperature and protects their vital organs. Healthy pets’ ribs should be covered by a moderate amount of fat, but each rib should be easily felt without pressing or pushing. If you need to apply effort to feel each rib, your pet is overweight. If you cannot feel your pet’s ribs at all, your pet is obese and would benefit from a veterinarian-supervised weight-loss plan. 

15 seconds or less: Visualize or feel your pet’s waistline

All pets should have a definable waist between the last rib and the pelvis that creates a noticeable hourglass shape. If your pet is long-coated, smooth their coat and evaluate your pet’s outline with your hands. Pets who lack a visible or palpable tuck in this area will benefit from weight loss, while those with an outward bulge along the chest and abdomen are classified as obese and require prompt and targeted veterinary intervention.

10 seconds or less: Look at your pet in profile

Observe your pet standing naturally in your home or yard. Your pet’s side profile or silhouette should reveal a tuck-up or inverted curve from their chest to the groin. If your pet is long-coated, part their hair and feel or visualize their waist from the side. 

Overweight pets will have little to no curve in this area, while an obese pet’s underline may be straight (i.e., in line with the base of their chest) or bulge downward and be obviously round or heavy. Do not confuse this distended area with the feline primordial pouch, which is a low-hanging skin flap that extends from the abdomen in adult cats.

10 seconds or less: Determine your pet’s body condition score

Lastly, compare your findings with the appropriate body condition score (BCS) chart. These quantitative dog and cat charts provide reliable information about your pet’s body fat percentage, similar to a human body mass index (BMI) score. 

Because your pet’s BCS is a strong health indicator, try to be as unbiased and objective as possible. There is no shame in admitting your pet is overweight or obese. Rather, acknowledging your pet’s status is a step toward positive change. Record your pet’s BCS on your calendar or in your phone and create a reminder to reevaluate their score every month.

10 seconds: Schedule an appointment at Neighborhood Veterinary Centers

If your pet’s BCS is seven or higher, your pet is at risk for serious health complications, and you must take immediate action and schedule an appointment at Neighborhood Veterinary Centers. Your veterinarian will rule out medical conditions that could be contributing to your pet’s weight gain, recommend a healthy diet, and design a nutrition and exercise plan for safe, controlled, and effective weight loss.

On the bubble? Simple strategies to prevent weight gain in pets

If your pet’s BCS score is 6, take action to prevent further weight gain. Recommendations include:

  • Measuring your pet’s food exactly 
  • Feeding small meals rather than allowing pets to graze throughout the day
  • Exercising your pet for 30 minutes a day 
  • Staying up-to-date on your pet’s routine wellness care
  • Limiting treats to 10% of your pet’s daily calorie requirements

Your pet’s weight has a big impact on their overall health and longevity. Take the first step toward reversing the damage with a 60-second body condition assessment and help your pet enjoy a long, active, and healthy life. For additional weight management tips, or to schedule your pet’s weight loss consultation, contact Neighborhood Veterinary Centers.