Tool
Body condition score checker
Is your dog underweight, ideal or overweight? Score them on the 9-point scale vets use.
Feel along your dog’s ribs, then look from above and from the side. Pick the description that fits best.
The 9-point scale
Vets around the world use the 9-point body condition score from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). Scores of 4–5 are ideal, 1–3 are too thin and 6–9 are too heavy. It works for most breeds, but very deep-chested, heavily coated or muscular dogs can be harder to judge by eye — your hands are the better tool.
| Score | What you’ll see and feel |
|---|---|
| 1 · Emaciated | Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones and other bony prominences are visible from a distance. No discernible body fat. Obvious loss of muscle mass. |
| 2 · Very thin | Ribs, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones are easily visible. No palpable fat. Some other bony prominences are evident. Minimal loss of muscle mass. |
| 3 · Thin | Ribs are easily felt and may be visible, with no palpable fat. Tops of the lumbar vertebrae are visible. Pelvic bones are becoming prominent. Obvious waist and abdominal tuck. |
| 4 · Lean (ideal range) | Ribs are easily felt with minimal fat covering. Waist easily seen from above. Abdominal tuck is evident. |
| 5 · Ideal | Ribs can be felt without excess fat covering. Waist is seen behind the ribs from above. Abdomen is tucked up when viewed from the side. |
| 6 · Slightly heavy | Ribs can be felt with a slight excess of fat covering. Waist is visible from above but not prominent. Abdominal tuck is apparent. |
| 7 · Overweight | Ribs are hard to feel under a heavy fat cover. Noticeable fat deposits over the lower back and base of the tail. Waist is absent or barely visible. Abdominal tuck may be present. |
| 8 · Obese | Ribs can’t be felt under very heavy fat cover, or only with firm pressure. Heavy fat over the lower back and tail base. No waist and no abdominal tuck. The belly may look swollen. |
| 9 · Severely obese | Massive fat deposits over the chest, spine and tail base, and on the neck and legs. No waist or abdominal tuck. Obvious swelling of the belly. |
If your dog scores 6 or more, or 3 or less, talk to your vet before changing food amounts — they can rule out medical causes and set a safe target. Our calorie calculator and overweight guide can help with the plan.