Maintaining your dog's optimal health involves more than just regular vet visits and exercise. Monitoring their body condition is a critical aspect of their overall well-being. The Waggle’s Body Condition System (BCS) is an invaluable tool for pet owners to evaluate their dog's physical state, ensuring they are neither too thin nor too heavy.

Understanding the Waggle Body Condition System

The Waggle BCS is a 9-point scale used to determine a dog's body condition:

- Too Thin: Scores 1 to 3
- Ideal: Scores 4 to 5
- Heavy- Too Heavy: Scores 6 to 9

Each score is based on the visibility and palpability of the ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones, and fat deposits, as well as the dog's overall shape. These scores will help you find in which category your pet falls under.

Body Condition Scores Explained

Too Thin

1. Score 1
- Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones, and all bony prominences are visible from a distance.
- No discernible body fat.
- Significant loss of muscle mass.

2. Score 2
- Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, and pelvic bones are easily visible.
- Minimal loss of muscle mass.
- No palpable fat.
Thin

3. Score 3
- Ribs are easily felt and may be visible with no palpable fat.
- Tops of lumbar vertebrae are visible.
- Pelvic bones become prominent.
- Obvious waist and abdominal tuck.

Ideal

4. Score 4
- Ribs are easily palpable with minimal fat covering.
- Waist is easily noted when viewed from above.
- Abdominal tuck is evident.

5. Score 5
- Ribs are palpable without excess fat covering.
- Waist is observed behind ribs when viewed from above.
- Abdomen is tucked up when viewed from the side.

Overweight

6. Score 6
- Ribs are palpable with slight excess fat covering.
- Waist is discernible from above but not prominent.
- Abdominal tuck is apparent.

7. Score 7
- Ribs are palpable with difficulty due to heavy fat cover.
- Noticeable fat deposits over the lumbar area and base of tail.
- Waist is absent or barely visible.
- Abdominal tuck may be present.

Obese

8. Score 8
- Ribs are not palpable under heavy fat cover or are only palpable with significant pressure.
- Heavy fat deposits over the lumbar area and base of tail.
- Waist is absent.
- No abdominal tuck.
- Abdominal distention may be present.

9. Score 9
- Massive fat deposits over thorax, spine, and base of tail.
- Waist and abdominal tuck are absent.
- Fat deposits on the neck and limbs.
- Obvious abdominal distention.



Carefully examine and match your dog's current body condition to the corresponding score on the Waggle Body Condition System to accurately determine your pet's body condition.



Maintaining Your Dog’s Ideal Body Condition ( Optional content)

1. Regular Assessment
- Regularly check your dog's body condition by feeling their ribs and observing their waist.
- Use the BCS to determine if your dog is too thin, ideal, or too heavy.

2. Adjusting Diet and Exercise
- Underweight Dogs (BCS 1-3):
- Increase calorie intake.
- Consider high-calorie supplements.
- Consult your veterinarian for a suitable feeding plan.

- Ideal Weight Dogs (BCS 4-5):
- Maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise.

- Overweight Dogs (BCS 6-9):
- Reduce calorie intake.
- Increase physical activity.
- Consult your veterinarian for a weight loss plan, which may include a special diet.

3. Regular Veterinary Check-ups
- Regular vet visits ensure that your dog's weight and overall health are monitored.
- Your vet can provide guidance and adjustments to your dog's diet and exercise regimen as needed.