Understanding Your Pet’s Body Condition Score (BCS)

One of the most common questions we hear from pet owners is, “Is my pet at a healthy weight?” It’s a great question — and one that plays a big role in your pet’s long-term health. Instead of relying solely on a number on the scale, veterinarians use something called a Body Condition Score (BCS) to assess a pet’s overall body composition.

What Is a Body Condition Score?

The BCS is a standardized system that helps us evaluate whether a pet is underweight, ideal, or overweight based on how they look and feel.
We use a 9-point scale, where:

1–3 indicates the pet is too thin

4–5 is ideal

6–9 means the pet is overweight to obese

This method helps account for differences in breed, size, and muscle mass, giving us a more accurate picture than weight alone.

How You Can Use the BCS at Home

You can perform a simple BCS check at home by looking at and feeling your pet:

Ribs: You should be able to easily feel (but not see) the ribs without
pressing hard.

Waist: When viewed from above, your pet should have a visible
waistline behind the ribs.

Abdomen: When viewed from the side, the tummy should tuck up slightly
toward the hips.

If your pet’s ribs are hard to find, or there’s no visible waistline, it may be time to talk to your veterinarian about a weight management plan. Likewise, if the ribs are prominent or there’s little fat covering them, your pet may be underweight.

Why It Matters

Maintaining a healthy body condition can add years to your pet’s life, reducing the risk of diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart problems. Regularly checking your pet’s BCS between visits is a great way to stay proactive about their health.

If you’re unsure about your pet’s current score, bring them in for a quick evaluation. We’ll show you how to assess it and work together to keep your pet feeling their best!