A hands-on weight check for older dogs: the body condition score
The scale gives one number. A body condition score tells you whether that weight is fat, muscle or neither. You can do the basic check at home.
Two scales, so write the fraction
VCA explains there are two recognized scales for dogs, 1 to 5 and 1 to 9. Scores differ between them: a 5 is obese on the 5-point scale, but ideal on the 9-point scale. Write the score as a fraction, such as 5/9, so your vet knows which scale you used.
Look
- From above: does your dog have a waistline that curves in behind the rib cage?
- From the side, sitting on the floor: does the belly slant up between the ribs and hind legs?
Feel
Put your thumbs on the backbone and spread your fingers over the ribs. VCA gives a knuckle comparison: ribs that feel like the knuckles of a closed fist suggest underweight, like the knuckles on the palm side suggest overweight, and like the knuckles of a flat hand suggest ideal.
VCA adds a note for older dogs: feeling the ribs disturbs a dog less than pressing on the backbone or pelvis, and arthritic dogs may feel pain if you press on the back or hips.
Why it matters more with age
Muscle loss can hide behind a steady number on the scale. A hands-on score, repeated and dated, is a useful thing to show your vet. Your vet should confirm the score and decide whether any change matters.
