Score 1: Emaciated. No obvious body fat, the ribs and backbones are easily seen form a distance.  There is noticable muscle loss.  The waist has an accentuated hourglass shape and the abdomen is severely tucked.

Score 2: Poor. Ribs and back bones and hips are easily felt and possibly seen with no obvious fat cover.  The waist has a marked hourglass shape and the abdomen is tucked.

Score 3: Ideal. Ribs have some fat cover but can be felt with a flat hand.  The backbone also has a cover of fat but can be felt. The abdomen has a slight tuck towards the hips and there is an obvious waist.

Score 4: Overweight. This pet carries up to 15% extra weight.  There is visible body fat and minimal muscle tone.  It is difficult to feel the ribs, backbone and hips.  The waist and abdominal tuck have disappeared.

Score 5: Obese. This pet is carrying more than 15% extra weight.  There are very marked fat deposits ove the ribs and abdomen.  The abdomen hangs down due to fat deposits and the waistline has become markedly broadened.

So where does your pet rate?  If the score is 4 or 5, your pet needs to loose weight to be able to enjoy life to the maximum.  Excessive weight has been linked to heart disease, increased susceptibilty to infections, Diabetes, increased surgical risk, respiratory problems, cancer, joint disease, skin problems, reproductive disorders, inactivity and overall reduction in lifespan.  All very good reasons to get dieting!

Thank you to Royal Canin for the contribution of the graphics for this page