Body measurements Info

First the energy to perform essential body functions like digestion respiration heart functions brain functions etc. Rectal measurement has been the gold standard for the measurement of body temperature in veterinary practice possibly because of the good agreement that exists between this technique and core body temperature 311. Two recognized bcs scales are utilized one ranging from 1 5 and the other 1 9. Resting energy requirements or rer which can be calculated by multiplying the animals body weight in kilograms raised to the ¾ power by 70 for example a 10kg 22lb adult neutered dog of healthy weight needs rer 70 10kg 34 400 caloriesday. The bcs is a somewhat subjective rating used to standardize the level of an animals weight. Despite the variety of body types in dogs and cats there is an organized system of evaluating bcs.

This helps us formulate a diet and exercise plan that best suits your pets body activity level and lifestyle. Others like the 1 5 scale which has less categories. Find specific details on this topic and related topics from the merck vet manual. Even a modest reduction in weight can significantly reduce your pets risk of life threatening diseases. More correctly the ideal weight is between 70 80 lbs because the ideal body fat ranges from 15 24 or 76 85 lean body mass. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight requires a commitment to a healthier lifestyle that achieves a balance between the calories consumed and the calories used by the body for normal functions and activity.

Some veterinarians prefer the 1 9 scale which has more latitude to identify subtle changes in weight. From the information above ideal animals should have about 20 body fat or 80 lean weight. Learn about the veterinary topic of weight to body surface area conversion for dogs. Instead veterinarians visually grade pets using a body condition score bcs. 60 lbs8 75 lbs. Bcs scales are typically range from 1 5 or 1 9.

The ideal weight for our dog is 75 lbs.