⚖️ Ideal weight
Use the visual body condition scale to see if your pet is at a healthy weight and track it month by month.
For: Dog, Cat, Bird
This tool is coming very soon.
How to use it
- Choose your pet's species and fill in the details it asks for.
- See the result and save or share the image with your family.
- Come back anytime: your data stays saved on your phone.
This tool is for guidance only. If you have any concern about your pet's health, ask your vet.
Guide: how to tell if your pet is at a healthy weight
What this tool does
The ideal weight tool helps you find out whether your dog, cat or bird is underweight, at a healthy weight or overweight. Instead of looking only at the number on the scale, it uses the body condition score, the same visual and hands-on method vets use. You can also log its weight every month and see how it changes over time.
How the body condition score works
The scale goes from 1 (very thin) to 9 (obese), and ideal is between 4 and 5. You don't need a scale to place your pet: just look and feel.
- Ribs: run your hands along its sides. You should feel them easily under a thin layer of fat, like the back of your hand.
- Waist: look from above. There should be a visible waist behind the ribs.
- Belly: look from the side. The belly should tuck up toward the hind legs, not hang down.
For birds, check the breast muscle on either side of the keel, the central breastbone. If the keel sticks out a lot, it may be too thin; if you can't feel it at all, it may be overweight.
The tool shows drawings of each level so you can pick the one that looks most like your pet, and explains what it means.
Why weight matters so much
More than half of pet dogs and cats are estimated to be overweight. A few extra pounds may seem minor, but they raise the risk of arthritis, diabetes, breathing problems and some heart conditions, and can shorten your pet's life.
The good news is that excess weight can be fixed with patience: adjust the portion, measure food, cut back on treats and add more play and walks. Gradual loss is best, around 1 to 2% of body weight per week.
To adjust the portion use the daily food calculator, and for your dog's exercise the walk planner. Dog owners should also read how much a dog should eat a day.
How to keep a log
Weigh it once a month, at the same time of day and on the same scale. A trick for small dogs and cats: weigh yourself alone, then holding your pet, and subtract. An unexplained weight change is one of the first signs that something is wrong, so the log also helps you catch problems early.
Frequently asked questions
What is my dog's ideal weight?
It depends on its breed and frame. That's why body condition is more reliable than an exact number.
Is my cat fat or is the saggy belly normal?
Many cats have a flap of skin under the belly that is normal. Check the ribs and waist, not just the belly.
How often should I weigh it?
Once a month is enough. If it's on a diet, every two weeks.
What if it's very thin?
Weight loss without a clear cause deserves a visit to the vet.
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