Keeping track of your pet’s weight is one of the simplest ways to support their long-term health, but it’s something many pet owners don’t do regularly. Changes often happen gradually, making them easy to miss day to day, especially when your pet still looks and behaves like their usual self.
The good news is that you don’t need specialist equipment or a trip to the vet to get a useful weight reading at home. For smaller pets who are comfortable being picked up, a standard set of bathroom scales is often all you need to check their weight quickly and easily. Here are 5 simple steps you can follow to start weighing your pet from home.
Measure your own weight
Start by stepping onto the scales on your own. Stand still, make sure the scales are on a flat surface, and wait for the number to settle before noting it down. This will be your reference point for the final calculation.
Pick up your pet comfortably
Gently pick up your pet, supporting their body properly so they feel secure. For dogs, hold them close to your chest. For cats or smaller pets, make sure their legs are supported and they’re not wriggling. If your pet seems stressed or uncomfortable, stop and try again later. Calm pets lead to more accurate readings.
Step onto the scales with your pet
While holding your pet, step back onto the scales. Stand still and distribute your weight evenly. Try not to shift your position, as movement can affect the reading. If possible, look straight ahead rather than down at the scales to avoid wobbling.
Take a measurement of the combined weight
Wait until the number on the scales settles, then note the combined weight of you and your pet. This figure includes both of you together, so accuracy here matters. For extra confidence, you can repeat this step once more and use the average of the two readings.
Subtract your weight to get your pet’s weight
Finally, subtract your original weight from the combined weight. The result is your pet’s weight. For example, If you weigh 70 kg on your own and 80 kg holding your pet, your pet weighs 10 kg.
Why Tracking Weight Is Essential
While a single measurement is helpful, tracking weight over time is where real insight comes from. Pets often gain or lose weight gradually, which makes changes easy to miss during day-to-day life.
Research shows that a 5–10% change in body weight can affect mobility, joint health, and overall wellbeing. Regular tracking can support healthier feeding and exercise routines and provide useful context for vet visits. You can find out more information about the importance of knowing your pet’s weight in of our previous blog posts.
Smart technology like Pawfit GPS trackers allow you to store your pet’s weight directly in the app and view trends over weeks, months, or years. Seeing changes laid out clearly makes it easier to understand what’s normal for your pet and notice subtle shifts that may be worth paying attention to.
You should always consult your vet if you have any concerns about your pet and would like further information and guidance about your pet’s unique needs and care. Additionally, for larger, heavier pets it is best to avoid taking weight measurements yourself as you risk injury to both yourself and your pet should you fall – it is best for a vet to take these readings using specialist scales.
