As pet parents, we all want our furry companions to live long, healthy, and happy lives. One important, but often overlooked, part of your pet’s overall health is their Body Condition Score (BCS). This simple scoring system helps determine whether your pet has a healthy physique - and it’s just as important as tracking their weight on the scale.
What is a Body Condition Score?
The Body Condition Score is a veterinary tool used to assess the amount of fat your pet is carrying. Unlike body weight alone, BCS takes into account your pet’s shape, muscle mass, and fat distribution. Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s BCS by feeling and observing key areas of the body, including the ribs, waist, and abdomen. Here's a basic guide to what they look for:
Underweight (BCS 1–3)
Ribs, spine, and pelvic bones are easily visible
Little or no body fat
Obvious loss of muscle mass
Ideal (BCS 4–6)
Ribs are easily felt but not visible
Pet has a visible waist when viewed from above
Tucked-up abdomen when viewed from the side
Overweight (BCS 7–8)
Ribs are difficult to feel
Waist is less defined
Abdomen has little or no tuck
Obese (BCS 9)
Ribs are very difficult or impossible to feel
No visible waist
Abdominal area is rounded or sagging
Why Does Body Condition Score Matter?
A healthy Body Condition Score isn't just about looks – it's a powerful shield against serious health issues, including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, respiratory problems, & more
In fact, studies from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) show that pets kept at a healthy weight can live up to 2.5 years longer than their overweight counterparts.
How You Can Check at Home
You can perform a simplified BCS check at home by using the “Rib & Waist Test”:
Feel your pet's ribs – Can you feel them easily, or do you have to press hard?
Look at your pet from above – Is there a visible waist behind their ribs?
Look at your pet from the side – Is there an upward tuck in their belly?
If you’re unsure, or if you think your pet might be over or under their ideal BCS, we are here to help! Monitoring a pet’s body condition is an important part of every exam we do, and we are more than happy to walk you through it at your pet’s next visit.
What If My Pet Isn’t at an Ideal BCS?
If your pet is underweight or overweight, their veterinarian will help you develop a safe, measured plan to get them back to a healthy BCS. This might include:
Adjusting their diet (type & amount of food)
Creating an exercise plan
Monitoring progress regularly
One thing to remember when it comes to pets with high or low BCS is that safe and sustained changes are key. Just like in humans, crash diets or drastic changes in activity can be harmful to other areas of your pet’s health - it is always best practice to follow your veterinarian’s weight management plan and make gradual progress over time.
Your pet’s Body Condition Score is more than just a number, it’s a snapshot of their overall health. Regularly assessing BCS helps you and your veterinarian make informed decisions about your pet’s diet, activity, and care to help them lead a comfortable and happy life. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is one of the most loving things you can do for them.
If you have any questions about your pet’s weight or want help assessing their BCS, book a wellness exam with us today!