Understanding Your Pet’s Body Condition Score

Body condition scoring (BCS) is a simple tool to evaluate your dog or cat’s overall health. Unlike a traditional weight scale, BCS combines visual and physical assessments to offer deeper insights into your pet’s nutrition, body composition, and well-being.

At every Tampa Bay Animal Hospitals location, we assess your pet’s BCS as part of every visit. In this article, we’ll explain why monitoring BCS is so important and how you can check it at home to support your pet’s health and weight management.

What is body condition scoring (BCS)?

Your pet’s BCS is a numerical score on a scale of 1 to 9, with 5 being considered an ideal body weight. Pets scoring 1 to 3 are considered thin, while pets scoring 7 or above are considered overweight or obese. 

To determine your pet’s score, their veterinarian will feel and visually assess your pet’s ribs, waist, and abdomen, and compare the findings to a BCS chart for dogs or cats.

Why is BCS important?

Unlike a traditional scale, which doesn’t distinguish between muscle and fat, body condition scoring provides clues about your pet’s overall health by considering their structure, muscle mass, and fat distribution. By more accurately reflecting each pet’s unique health status, BCS helps your veterinarian make tailored recommendations about their nutrition and care.

Tracking your pet’s BCS over time can also help you and your veterinarian maintain your pet’s well-being and detect concerning changes that could indicate a developing problem.

The health risks of an abnormal BCS

At both ends of the BCS chart, pets experience significant health risks. Pets with a low score (1 to 3) are considered emaciated or thin. These pets have little to no fat tissue and reduced muscle mass, and may be suffering from malnutrition or a serious health problem. 

Alternatively, pets with a BCS of 7 to 9 carry excess fat, which contributes to widespread inflammation and various health issues. Extra weight also puts significant strain on a pet’s joints, heart, and lungs, leading to a reduced quality of life and increasing the risk of chronic conditions that can shorten their lifespan.

Your veterinarian will tell you if your pet’s BCS is concerning and may recommend additional testing if an underlying cause is suspected or provide nutritional counseling if weight loss is advised.

How to assess your pet’s BCS at home

A lot can change between your pet’s visits, so our veterinarians recommend monitoring your pet’s BCS at home. Monthly checks are typically enough for healthy pets, but your veterinarian may recommend more frequent monitoring if your pet is on a weight loss plan or has a chronic health condition

To assess your pet’s body condition, you’ll need the BCS chart for their species (dog, cat) a few minutes of time, and, of course, your pet! Then, you’ll follow these steps: 

• Feel your pet’s ribs — Each rib should be easily felt with minimal fat covering. Too much or too little is cause for concern. 
• Look at your pet from above — When viewing your standing pet from above, they should have a well-defined waist between their rib cage and hips. 
• Look at your pet from the side — While standing, your pet should have a noticeable upward curve from their last rib to their abdomen. Cats may have low-hanging tissue known as a primordial pouch. This is considered normal and should not be confused with fat.
• Compare your results to the chart — Determine your pet’s score by comparing your findings with the images and descriptions on the chart.
• Record your pet’s BCS on a calendar or in a journal — Along with images of your pet from above and the side, this can help you track your pet’s progress or changes.

When to consult your veterinarian

If your pet is healthy, eating a portion-controlled diet, and receiving regular exercise, they should be able to maintain a BCS of 4 or 5. Notify your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your pet’s BCS without an obvious cause, such as eating or exercising more or less.

If your pet is on a veterinarian-recommended weight loss plan, you should expect steady improvement in their condition and BCS. If your pet’s BCS and body weight are not improving at each monthly check, your veterinarian may need to adjust your pet’s calorie intake or recommend a different exercise regimen.

Score well, live well

Body condition scoring is a simple and effective tool for evaluating your pet’s overall wellness. Help your pet achieve their best score—and a greater quality of life—with continued care at Tampa Bay Animal Hospitals.

Are you concerned about your pet’s weight? Let our team help. Contact us to schedule your pet’s next visit at your preferred Tampa Bay Animal Hospitals location.