⚖️ Vet-Approved Guide to Assessing Rabbit & Guinea Pig Weight in 2025 🐰🐹

Author: Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for the well-being of your rabbit or guinea pig. In 2025, understanding how to assess and manage your pet's weight ensures a longer, happier life. 🐾

📏 Understanding Body Condition Scoring (BCS)

Body Condition Scoring is a hands-on method to evaluate your pet's fat and muscle levels. It involves feeling specific areas of the body to determine if your pet is underweight, overweight, or at an ideal weight. Regular BCS checks help in early detection of weight-related issues. 🩺

🐰 Rabbit Body Condition Scoring

• Score 1 - Emaciated: Prominent ribs, spine, and pelvis; minimal muscle mass.
• Score 3 - Ideal: Ribs and spine can be felt with slight pressure; smooth body contours.
• Score 5 - Obese: Ribs and spine difficult to feel; noticeable fat deposits.

Regularly assess your rabbit's BCS by gently feeling along their ribs and spine. Adjust their diet and exercise accordingly. 🐇

🐹 Guinea Pig Body Condition Scoring

• Score 1 - Very Underweight: Visible ribs and spine; concave abdomen.
• Score 3 - Ideal: Ribs and spine can be felt but not seen; rounded body shape.
• Score 5 - Very Overweight: Ribs and spine not palpable; sagging abdomen.

Feel your guinea pig's body gently to assess their BCS. Monitor their weight and adjust feeding practices as needed. 🐹

🍽️ Feeding Guidelines

• Hay: Provide unlimited access to fresh hay daily.
• Pellets: Offer species-specific pellets in moderation.
• Fresh Vegetables: Include a variety of leafy greens and vegetables daily.
• Treats: Limit sugary treats and fruits to occasional offerings.

Ensure a balanced diet to maintain optimal weight and health. 🥦

🏃 Exercise and Enrichment

Encourage physical activity through:

• Providing spacious enclosures with room to move.
• Offering toys and tunnels for exploration.
• Allowing supervised playtime outside the cage.

Regular exercise helps prevent obesity and promotes mental stimulation. 🏃‍♂️

📅 Regular Monitoring

Weigh your pet weekly using a kitchen scale. Record the weight to track trends over time. Sudden changes may indicate health issues requiring veterinary attention. 📈

📱 Additional Resources

• Visit AskAVet.com for expert advice. 🌐
• Download the Ask A Vet app for personalized tips and reminders. 📲
• Explore Woopf and Purrz for enrichment tools and community support. 🐾

🎉 Conclusion

Regular assessment of your rabbit or guinea pig's weight through Body Condition Scoring, proper diet, and exercise ensures their health and happiness in 2025 and beyond. 🐰❤️🐹

For more tips and resources, don't forget to check out AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app today! 🐾