#BestForPets Magazine Edition #4 (Summer 2022)

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#BestForPets

Understanding your pet’s ‘Body Condition Score’ 65% 39% & Pet obesity continues to be a growing concern for vets and pet owners It’s estimated that in the UK are either overweight or obese * of dogs of cats So there’s still some work to be done in ensuring our pets maintain a healthy body shape.

Body Condition Score - MEDIUM DOG

Too Thin

1.

2.

3.

• Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones and all bony prominence evident from a distance • No discernible body fat • Obvious loss of muscle mass

• Ribs, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones easily visible • No palpable fat • Some bony prominence visible from a distance • Minimal loss of muscle

• Ribs easily palpable and may be visible with no palpable fat • Tops of lumbar vertebrae visible, pelvic bones becoming prominent • Obvious waist and abdominal tuck

Ideal

Above Ideal

Instead, your vet or vet nurse will assess your pet’s body condition score (BCS). This is measured by looking at your pet from the side and above, and gently feeling over the body to gauge the amount of fat tissue over the ribs and pelvis.

When we’re assessing whether our pets are overweight, a number on the scales often doesn’t give the whole picture. This is especially true for cross-breeds where there is no expected weight range.

4.

5.

6.

• Ribs easily palpable with minimal fat covering • Waist easily noted when viewing from above • Abdominal tuck evident

• Ribs palpable without excess fat covering • Waist observed behind ribs when viewed from above • Adbomen tucked up when viewed from side visible from a distance

• Ribs palpable with slight excess of fat covering

• Waist is discernible when viewed from above but is not prominent • Abdominal tuck apparent

BCS is awarded from 1 to 9:

Overweight

Obese

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Underweight

Ideal Weight

Overweight

Obese

100% of ideal

110% of ideal

120% of ideal

130% of ideal

140% of ideal

7.

8.

9.

• Ribs palpable with difficulty, heavy fat cover • Noticeable fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail • Waist absent or barely visible • Abdominal tuck may be absent

• Ribs not palpable under very heavy fat cover or palpable only with significant pressure • Heavy fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail • Waist absent • Obvious abdominal distension may be present

• Massive fat deposits over thorax, spine and base of tail • Waist and abdominal tuck absent • Fat deposits on neck and limbs • Obvious abdominal distension

Your pet’s BCS will usually be assessed during their bi-annual check-ups with your vet or vet nurse. If you have any concerns, it’s always wise to speak with your local practice as soon as you can instead of waiting until their health check is due.

Always double check with your vet before starting your pet on a new diet. New diets can really help improve your pet’s life but it’s important to be sure that you don’t pick the wrong one!

*Source: Royal Canin

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