In companion animals, the most widely accepted method of body composition evaluation is body condition scoring, using visual assessment and palpation. All methods are easy to perform, and results correlate well with adipose tissue mass. Body weight can now be accurately quantified by electronic scales, and regular measurements throughout life are an excellent means of verifying health. However, it is not currently known how frequently body weight and condition is assessed in dogs by veterinary surgeons in general practice.

Information was reviewed from 148 dogs referred to the University of Liverpool Small Animal Teaching Hospital, between June and October 2006. Historical data provided prior to referral was analysed and the frequency of body weight measurements, body condition checks and body condition scores was recorded. The total available history for the whole population was 87,237 days (median 333 days per dog; range 32 to 2889 days). The total number of consultations reviewed was 1899 (median 10 per dog; range 1 to 50.

Body weight was recorded at least once in 103 out of the 148 dogs in the study (70%). In these 103 dogs, the median time between weight measurements was 114 days (range 5 to 2483 days), whilst the median number of consultations per weight measurement was 4 (range 1 to 44). A subjective assessment of body composition was made at least once in 43/148 dogs (29%). In these 43 dogs, the median time between assessments was 216 days (range 21 to 2285 days), whilst the median number of consultations per weight measurement was 7 (range 2 to 43). A recognised body condition score was performed on only one dog, on a single occasion.

This study is the first to assess the regularity with which veterinarians in general practice weigh and condition score dogs. The findings suggest that dogs are weighed infrequently, and condition scoring systems are rarely used. These results have implications for the health and welfare of companion animals, particularly given the current prevalence of canine obesity, and the fact that these individuals are not being recognised. There is a need for greater awareness of the benefits of maintaining animals in optimal body condition throughout life.