10/08/2025
Do you know how to assess your pet's body condition? You may not think about it, but it's a valuable tool that you can use yourself to help keep your pet in better health. Learn how you can do it at home below.
Performing an At-Home Body Condition Check for Cats and Dogs:
1. Rib Check
You should be able to easily feel your dog or cat’s ribs when you gently run your fingers along their side. A healthy-weight pet will have a thin layer of fat over the ribs and spine that you can feel but not see. If you feel a thick layer of fat, your pet may be overweight.
2. Waist Check
Looking at your pet from above, your dog or cat should have a visible waist behind the ribs that tapers slightly towards the hips with a slight indentation near the midsection. If your pet does not have a visible waist or has a bulging waist, they may be overweight.
3. Tummy Test
Standing next to your pet, look at them from the side. You should see a slight tuck or upward slope in the tummy area. If the abdomen hangs low and appears bulging or sagging, it could indicate excess abdominal or "belly" fat, the most biologically active form of fat associated with systemic inflammation and disease.
If you suspect your pet is overweight or has obesity, talk to your veterinary healthcare team. Routine examinations, BCS, and weight checks can catch unhealthy weight gain early.
