If you think your dog or cat is gaining weight, start by checking their body condition at home and looking closely at everything they eat each day. Being able to feel the ribs, seeing some definition around the waist and keeping track of treats and other extras can help you spot potential weight gain.
If you are unsure, we can assess your dog or cat’s weight and body condition at Vet Stars and discuss whether changes to their diet are needed.
Weight is only one part of the picture. Body shape, nutrition, activity and general health all matter when deciding whether your dog or cat is at an appropriate weight.
What Is a Body Condition Score?
A Body Condition Score (BCS) is a veterinary tool used to assess the amount of body fat a dog or cat is carrying. It considers features such as the ribs, waist and overall body shape rather than relying on weight alone.
The Australian Veterinary Association identifies nutritional status as an important indicator of health and recommends that veterinarians assess nutrition and body condition as part of veterinary care for dogs and cats.
You can do a simple body condition check at home to look for changes, but a veterinary assessment is useful if you are uncertain about what you are seeing or feeling.
How to Check Your Dog or Cat’s Body Condition at Home
1. Feel the ribs
Gently run your hands along your dog or cat’s ribcage. You should generally be able to feel the ribs without having to press firmly through a thick layer of fat.
If the ribs are becoming difficult to feel, it may be a sign that your dog or cat is carrying excess body fat.
2. Look for a waist from above
Stand above your dog or cat and look at their body behind the ribs.
You should generally be able to see some waist definition rather than a continuously rounded shape. Coat length and natural body shape can make this harder to judge, so combine what you can see with what you can feel.
3. Check their shape from the side
For dogs, look for an abdominal tuck behind the ribcage. RSPCA Australia also recommends assessing the ribs, waist and abdominal tuck when checking a dog’s body condition.
Cats have a different natural body shape, so don’t assess your cat by comparing them with a dog. Look at their ribs, waist and overall shape together. RSPCA Australia recommends having your veterinarian weigh your cat and assess their Body Condition Score if you are unsure about their condition.
Where Are the Hidden Calories Coming From?
Sometimes the main meals are not the only reason a dog or cat gains weight. Small extras throughout the day can add up, particularly when more than one person is feeding them.
Check for hidden calories from:
- Treats between meals
- Training rewards
- Dental treats and chews
- Table scraps and leftovers
- Food offered while you are cooking
- Meal toppers and other extras
- Food used in enrichment activities
- Several family members giving treats
- Portions that have gradually increased
At Vet Stars, one of our first recommendations for an overweight dog or cat is to look closely at table scraps and unnecessary extras. Our obesity management advice specifically identifies fatty table scraps as something to eliminate when working towards a healthier weight.
Keep a Food Diary for a Few Days
It can be surprisingly difficult to remember every treat or extra your dog or cat receives.
For three to five days, write down everything they eat. Include their main meals, treats, chews, training rewards, table scraps and food given by other members of your household.
This gives you a much clearer picture of their actual intake. If you bring the diary to a veterinary weight consultation, we can also use it to understand their current feeding routine before discussing possible changes.
Measure Food Instead of Guessing Portions
Portions can slowly become larger when food is measured by eye.
Use a consistent measure for your dog or cat’s daily food and account for any food used as treats or rewards. If you regularly use some of their normal food for training, include it within their daily amount rather than automatically adding it on top.
Don’t respond to weight gain by dramatically cutting food without veterinary advice. Dogs and cats still need appropriate nutrition, and the amount and type of food they need can vary with their age, size, activity and health.
The Australian Veterinary Association advises that veterinarians are well placed to assess individual nutritional requirements and provide dietary recommendations for dogs and cats. Australian Veterinary Association
Make Small Changes to Hidden Calories
Weight management does not necessarily mean removing every treat your dog or cat enjoys. Start by understanding where the unnecessary calories are coming from.
You might reduce table scraps, account for treats within the day’s food allowance or use some of their measured food as rewards instead of adding extra treats.
The important thing is consistency. If several people feed your dog or cat, agree on who is responsible for meals and treats so extras don’t accidentally multiply throughout the day.
If you’re unsure how much to feed, we can help you work through their current diet rather than relying on guesswork.
When Should You Book a Veterinary Weight Check?
An at-home body condition check is useful for noticing changes, but it cannot tell you why your dog or cat is gaining weight.
Arrange a veterinary consultation if their ribs are becoming difficult to feel, their waist has become less defined, their weight keeps increasing despite measured feeding, or you are unsure how much they should be eating.
We also recommend a health check when weight changes unexpectedly or occur alongside changes in appetite, energy, mobility or general health.
For dog and cat owners in Ingleburn and the wider Macarthur area, a veterinary weight check provides an opportunity to assess body condition and discuss whether nutrition or other factors need attention.
Dog and Cat Weight Management at Vet Stars
At Vet Stars, obesity management is one of our veterinary services. We can help you assess where your dog or cat is starting and discuss practical options for managing their weight.
We stock and recommend Royal Canin and Hill’s Prescription Diets. Where appropriate, we can arrange a prescription diet and provide follow-up weight checks to monitor progress.
Our approach is about giving you appropriate options for your dog or cat rather than expecting you to work everything out from feeding guides or online advice alone. That fits with our wider commitment at Vet Stars to providing high-quality patient care while keeping you informed about the options available.
Concerned about your dog or cat’s weight? Contact us to make an appointment for a weight and body condition check.
This article provides general information for dog and cat owners. If you are concerned about your dog or cat’s weight, appetite or general health, contact Vet Stars for veterinary advice based on their individual needs.
