Stand above and side-on to assess waist taper, rib visibility, abdominal tuck, and fat deposits.
Visual Evaluation
Run hands over ribs, waist, and base of tail feeling for prominent bones or excess fat covering them.
Palpitation Check
Match your dog's appearance and feel to the closest descriptive graphics and photos on the standardized 1-9 BCS chart.
Compare to Chart
Low BCS means underweight up to emaciated. High BCS indicates overweight progressing to obese.
Determine Score
Perform hands-on BCS assessments monthly when healthy to catch early weight changes for intervention if needed.
Reevaluate Regularly
Share your at home BCS findings with your veterinarian for context on appropriate goals and direction for your dog's breed and age.
Discuss with Your Vet
If overweight, consult your vet on safe nutritional and exercise adjustments to reach healthier BCS range over time.
Weight Loss Plan