Pet obesity is a leading cause of discomfort and illness in our companion animals. Excess weight can cause mobility issues, strain on the cardiac and respiratory systems, and lead to diseases like diabetes mellitus. Keeping your dog and cat in an ideal body condition can support not only a longer life but a better quality one.
Getting annual exams and speaking with your veterinary team can help identify weight issues and create a routine to support a healthy, active lifestyle. A body condition score is one of the tools commonly used.
Body condition scores are ranked 1 through 5 or 1 through 9. In a 1-5 scoring system a rating of 3 is ideal and in a 1-9 scoring a 4-5 is ideal.
A score of 3/5 or 5/9 has the following characteristics:
- Ribs: You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs easily, but they shouldn’t be visible. If you have to press harder to feel them, your pet might be overweight.
- Waistline: When viewed from above, there should be a noticeable waistline behind the ribs. If your pet has no waist or it looks rounded, they may have excess weight.
- Abdomen: From the side, there should be a slight tuck in the belly just behind the ribs. If the belly hangs or is rounded, it could indicate extra weight.
Weight loss is a team effort and focuses first on reducing caloric intake and addressing dietary changes. Your veterinarian can help you identify daily calorie requirements for your pet’s target weight and may even recommend a prescription diet. Once your pet starts losing weight, discussing activity levels can be tackled. Weight loss is best done slowly and with small consistent changes.
Dr. Blackmon, Assistant Medical Director
Dr. Courtney Blackmon is a dedicated veterinarian with a diverse background in animal care, spanning small animals, wildlife, and equine medicine. Raised in the Midwest, she began her journey into veterinary medicine in Austin, Texas, where she worked at a small animal veterinary clinic, apprenticed as a horse trainer, and honed her skills in starting horses. Her passion for animal welfare grew as she volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation center and fostered dogs and cats in need.
Dr. Blackmon pursued her veterinary education at Colorado State University, located in the scenic Front Range, where she developed a deep interest in preventative care, animal behavior, and nutrition. Her time at CSU also sparked her passion for emergency medicine and surgery, which she further cultivated while working in a small animal ER and the university’s surgery department. She also developed strong interests in managing complex medicine cases, dentistry, and soft tissue surgery, all of which complement her comprehensive approach to animal care.
In search of sunshine and warmer weather, Dr. Blackmon moved to Arizona, Dr. Blackmon moved to Arizona, where she currently resides with her menagerie of animals that include dogs, cats, horses, and 2 pot-bellied pigs. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the natural beauty of Arizona.
With a well-rounded and compassionate approach to veterinary care, Dr. Blackmon is committed to providing the best possible treatment and advocating for the health and well-being of all animals in her care.
