No matter if you’re weighing dogs, cats, or hamsters, getting precise results is crucial. In this blog, we’ll explore why using a vet scale to monitor your pet’s weight is so important and share three tips to ensure you get the most accurate measurements every time.
Understanding the Need to Weigh Your Pet
Just as people benefit from an annual physical, pets also need yearly check-ups with their veterinarian. During these visits, your vet will weigh your pet to assess their overall health and well-being. Weight is a crucial indicator for veterinarians, as it helps determine the appropriate dosage of medications—larger pets require more medicine than smaller ones.
If your pet is prone to health issues, having a veterinary scale at home or nearby can be very useful for more frequent weight monitoring.
While weight fluctuations can be normal, especially for certain animals, domestic pets shouldn’t experience drastic changes. For instance, bears hibernate and can lose 15 to 30% of their body weight over the winter. In contrast, if your pet loses or gains 10% or more of its body weight over a short period, it could signal a serious health problem. Regular monitoring helps catch these issues early.
3 Key Tips for Accurate Pet Weighing Results
For the most precise weighing results, ensure you’re using the appropriate scale, maintaining a detailed weight record, and preparing your pet correctly.
1. Select the Appropriate Scale
To ensure accurate measurements, select a weighing scale that matches your pet’s size and weight, and includes features that simplify the process.
The scale you choose should be appropriate for your pet’s dimensions. For example, horses require a platform scale, as they can’t use smaller types. Our largest option is the PT platform scale, available in sizes from 1000x1000mm to 1500x1500mm and with capacities ranging from 1000kg to 3000kg.
For large dog breeds, a smaller platform scale like our CPWplus L, which has a 600x900mm pan size and supports weights from 35kg to 300kg, might be ideal. For medium-sized dogs and those large breeds that can comfortably sit on the scale, a floor scale may be sufficient. For cats, bunnies, and small dogs, a bench scale such as our MTB, especially a medical-grade one, will work best. For hamsters, birds, and lizards, a compact balance is the perfect fit.
With the type of scale in mind, let’s explore additional features to help refine your choices.
What is Dynamic/Animal Weighing?
The weighing process becomes more efficient and less stressful for both you and your pet with a scale that features a dynamic/animal weighing function. This feature averages the weight of a moving animal over a specified time period.
Pets often don’t understand they need to stay still on the scale, which can lead to inaccurate readings if they move around. The dynamic/animal weighing function allows your pet to move more freely while still providing an accurate weight measurement.
Our GBK and GFK Bench and Floor Checkweighing Scales, as well as the AGB and AGF Bench and Floor Scales, all include dynamic/animal weighing for a smoother experience. Additionally, our PT Platforms, when used with the GK or AE 403 Indicators, also offer this feature.
What is the Display Hold Feature?
The Display Hold feature can greatly simplify the process of weighing animals, especially if they tend to jump off the scale quickly. This function records and displays the most stable weight measurement, allowing you to note down the result even if the animal has already stepped off the scale.
Our AGB and AGF Bench and Floor Scales, as well as the Latitude Compact Bench Scales and MTB Digital Scale, all offer this Display Hold feature. Additionally, the CPWplus series provides Display Hold along with a range of platform sizes, so you can select the option that best suits your needs.
With the right scale and useful features, you’ll be more likely to achieve accurate weighing results every time.
2. Maintain a Weight Record
Your pet’s weight might be accurately shown on the scale, but without a record for comparison, how meaningful is that accuracy?
While some weight changes are obvious, like when a horse’s ribs become more visible, others might be less noticeable due to thick fur, such as with Samoyed dogs or angora rabbits. That’s why it’s crucial to weigh your pet regularly—at least once a month—and keep a detailed record.
Generally, your pet’s weight should remain consistent, with only minor fluctuations expected. By establishing their normal, healthy weight, you create a baseline to monitor changes. If your pet’s weight shifts by 10% or more from this baseline, you’ll have substantial evidence to present to your veterinarian.
This record helps your vet determine if further tests are needed and decide on the appropriate treatment. Keeping a diligent weight record can assist in identifying potential health issues early, before they become more serious.
3. Properly Prepare Your Pet for Weighing
Even though features like display hold or dynamic/animal weighing can enhance accuracy, you can still achieve precise results with proper preparation.
Start by placing a non-slip mat or blanket on the scale if it has a stainless-steel pan. Stainless steel can feel cold and slippery, which might make your pet uneasy. Be sure to tare the weight of the blanket to avoid affecting your measurement. A mat or blanket offers a softer surface and helps your pet feel more comfortable. For added convenience, our MTB scale includes a secondary pan with a non-slip mat, ideal for pets that have trouble maintaining their footing.
Small pets like mice or hamsters can be weighed using our Core or Highland Compact Balances, which feature a removable, breathable top that accommodates their size. For larger, more active pets, using a Tupperware container or storage tub can help keep them contained during the weighing process.
If your pet is motivated by food, this can be an effective way to encourage them to stay still on the scale. You might need to place the food on the pan to keep them engaged while they are being weighed.
For pets that prefer being held, and if your scale has a high enough capacity, you can weigh yourself first, then hold your pet while standing on the scale. Subtract your weight to determine your pet’s weight.
The key is to keep your pet as still and calm as possible to ensure accurate results and avoid frustration. Make sure to record their weight in a secure location for future reference.
Common Reasons for Weight Fluctuations
If you notice significant or sudden weight gain or loss in your pet, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. However, several common factors can lead to substantial weight changes, many of which are easily preventable.
Overfeeding or Underfeeding
It’s important to thoroughly research the appropriate amount of food for your pet. For instance, a chihuahua might need between a quarter and a half cup of food per day, while a German Shepherd requires between three and five cups daily. An imbalance in calories and nutrition can lead to weight changes in your pet.
Additionally, the amount of exercise your pet gets impacts their food requirements. A chihuahua that enjoys daily hikes will need more food compared to one that spends most of its day resting.
Typically, dogs and cats should consume about 20 to 30 calories per 0.45kg of their body weight. Aim for the lower end (20 calories) if your pet is less active, and the higher end (30 calories) if they are very active. Horses generally need between 20 to 25 calories per 0.45kg of body weight, while rabbits require 25 to 30 calories per 0.45kg.
For example, a 29kg dog with moderate activity should consume around 1,611 calories daily (29 divided by 0.45, then multiplied by 25 calories). Your pet’s food packaging should provide a calorie guide to assist with this.
To monitor your pet’s food intake accurately, consider using a scale to measure their portion sizes.
Stress
If your pet’s daily routine or environment has changed, it can lead to stress. Just like people, pets often respond to stress by eating less, which can result in weight loss. Fortunately, this is usually temporary and can be addressed more effectively by establishing a new routine, offering adequate stimulation, and creating a calming environment.
Dental Pain
If your pet is experiencing dental problems, the discomfort from eating or chewing can lead to reduced food intake. Symptoms of dental pain may include a preference for softer foods, reluctance to have their mouth or snout touched, and bad breath. It’s important to consult a veterinarian to accurately diagnose the issue and provide appropriate treatment.
Pregnancy
This issue is specific to female pets. If your pet isn’t spayed and has been around an intact male, she may be pregnant.
Serious Medical Conditions
In some cases, diseases and parasites can cause significant weight loss or gain. Common conditions include hyperthyroidism, tapeworms, diabetes, cancer, and Cushing’s disease. If you suspect your pet might be suffering from a serious health issue, contact your veterinarian right away. Once a diagnosis is made and treatment is underway, continue monitoring your pet’s weight to track their recovery progress.
Please be aware that the information on our blog about pet weighing is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional veterinary advice. We encourage you to consult your veterinarian for personalised guidance on your pet’s health and well-being.
If you need help choosing the right animal scale for your needs, please contact us—we’re happy to assist.
