Let\u2019s start with one of the fundamental tools veterinarians use to evaluate the health of canines: a Body Condition Score<\/a> (BCS). The BCS is a rating of your dog\u2019s current weight compared to its ideal weight. This is determined through visual and manual assessment. You can think of a BCS as the dog equivalent of a Body Mass Index (BMI) or a similar health indicator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BCS scales can range from 1-5 or 1-9 and typically follow the same structuring. An example is shown below, with the \u201cideal\u201d range at approximately 4 to 5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Image Source: Purina’s Body Condition System<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, just like any analytical index, a BCS isn\u2019t without its flaws. For one, the system is subjective, outlining generalized terms of what to look for in your pet. Second, body condition scoring isn\u2019t going to be applied the same for all dogs and can be dependent on breed, gender and age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a species that ranges vastly in shapes and sizes, there is no one \u201cideal\u201d weight for a dog. While there are standardized ranges<\/a> for each breed, a healthy size is going to be unique to your pet alone. For example, healthy greyhounds typically have visible ribs due to their conformation and haircoat, but this same statement is not true for a golden retriever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask your veterinarian to help identify a healthy weight range for your pet, which is likely to correspond to a range of 4-5 on the body condition score chart. Your pet will be overweight if they are 10-20% above that number on the scale and clinically obese if that number reaches more than 20%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not to fear, though. Just because you can\u2019t rely on a BCS alone doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t determine if your pet is overweight. Here are some other signs you can look out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As with the visual examination involved in body condition scoring, the easiest way of understanding where your dog\u2019s weight is at is simply by looking at them. Does your dog\u2019s waist sag? Are there fat pads at the base of its tail and top of its hips? Do its legs stick out awkwardly to the sides instead of being directly under them? These could be signs of a weight problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, your dog should have its abdomen tucked up in relation to its chest. From an overhead view, a healthy dog is one that is wider at the chest and slimmer toward the waist. If your pet has an ovular body shape from the side or over the top, you\u2019ll know something\u2019s up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the biggest visual indicators is the ribcage. In a healthy dog, the ribs shouldn\u2019t be very prominent, depending on the breed, but they should be very easy to feel upon touch. A telltale sign of an overweight dog is one whose ribs take excessive palpation to find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another common presentation of obesity in dogs comes in the form of breathing. If you\u2019ve noticed that your pet struggles with breathing, namely wheezing or heavy breathing, this could be a result of being overweight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respiratory problems can even manifest when your dog isn\u2019t exerting effort. Checking if and how intensely your dog snores can also provide insight into its weight situation. When it comes to snoring, more is not merrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As with humans, extra weight is going to place additional pressure on joints, making movement more challenging. If your pet isn\u2019t moving around as well as it used to, weight can be the culprit. Better indicators come in the form of more difficult movements, like running, jumping and climbing stairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a less specific rule-of-thumb, your pet\u2019s overall behaviors can be indicative of needing to shed some pounds. If you find that your dog has become particularly sedentary, opting for laying around as opposed to going on walks, something likely isn\u2019t right. An absence of energy and general lethargy is never going to be reflective of positive health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you find your dog following any of these patterns or displaying symptoms of obesity, it\u2019s time to schedule a visit with your vet. At the end of the day, your veterinarian will be able to give you the most thorough and definitive answer regarding your pet\u2019s health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n At Pet Butler, we want your pet to feel their best and be their healthiest. That\u2019s why we specialize in caring for your pet by scooping up their waste. Find out more about our services<\/a> or call 1-800-PET-BUTLER to learn how we can make your pet\u2019s life happier, healthier and cleaner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/www.petbutler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/BCS-graphic-232x300.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPhysical Appearance <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Respiratory Issues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Difficulty with Movement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
General Behavior<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n