Is your dog afraid to go to the vet? Do you find it a hassle to get them to step on the scale to determine their weight due to their fear? Is your dog trying to lose weight or unintentionally losing or gaining weight and you need to keep track of it? All of these are good reasons why you may want to invest in your own dog scale to keep at home.
This post will look at what a dog scale is, why you may want one in your home, and what to look for when buying one for your dog.
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What Is A Dog Scale?
A dog scale, or veterinary scale, is exactly how it sounds. It is a scale used to measure your dog’s weight. Some are small and portable, others are large and heavy. Some are only large enough for your dog to sit or stand on, others allow your dog to lay down on it.
Why Should I Get A Dog Scale?
There are many reasons why you may want to invest in a dog scale to keep in your home. Some may include:
Track Weight
Having a dog scale in your home can help you keep track of your dog’s weight. They may have a medical condition that causes them to lose or gain weight and having your own scale can help you keep track without having to take multiple trips to the vet’s office.
Medication
Your dog may need to be on medication where the dose is based on their weight. Knowing your dog’s weight can help ensure your dog gets the proper dosage they need for their condition.
Raw Feeding
If you have decided to raw feed your dog, you will need to keep an eye on your dog’s weight. This will ensure your dog gets the proper amount of food for their body type and lifestyle.
Kennels/Rescues
If you take in stray dogs, or run a kennel or rescue, you will want to weigh any new dogs that come into your care and be sure they are gaining/losing weight based on their condition and care.
Fear
Some dogs are very afraid of going to the vet, which is understandable. Having a dog scale at home can help you avoid a trip to the vet’s office for weight monitoring and help decrease your dog’s (and yours) stress levels.
Do Human Scales Work For Dogs?
Human scales can work for dogs. If your dog is small enough to fit on the scale and they are able to sit still long enough for the weight to register, it will work just fine.
How Do You Weigh A Dog At Home?
Weighing your dog at home doesn’t have to be stressful. As mentioned above, you can use a human scale to weigh your dog if they are small enough, or you can buy a dog scale made specifically for your pup to use.
First, get your dog used to the scale. Use treats to reward them for getting close to the scale and for sniffing it.
Next, as your dog gets comfortable being around the scale, you can try to get your dog to put a paw on it and gradually get them to step onto it, using treats and praise each step of the way.
Eventually, your dog will get comfortable standing and even sitting or laying down on the scale.
When using a dog scale to weigh your pup, make sure the scale is on a hard surface, preferably on the floor (but not carpet). This will help ensure a more accurate reading and avoid any falls from a high surface if your dog gets squirmy or decides to jump off.
How Do You Weigh A Big Dog On A Scale?
If you have a large dog, you will want to get a dog scale with a large enough platform to accommodate your dog’s size. It should also accommodate your dog’s weight.
The dog scale should be large enough for your dog to sit or lay down on comfortably.
Follow the steps above to get your dog comfortable being around the scale and eventually step onto it.
Some large dogs may be apprehensive about stepping onto the scale if the platform is a little wobbly, so give them time to get used to it.
You will also want to have a non-slip surface in the platform to help increase their traction and avoid instability while stepping onto the scale.
What Should I Look For When Buying A Dog Scale?
Should you decide getting a dog scale is a good option for you, here are some things you will want to keep in mind:
Size
The dog scale should be large enough to accommodate the size of your dog and also fit in the space you would like to store it.
Weight
Dog scales will only measure up to a certain weight. A scale for a small dog tends to go up to 44 lbs. while scales for large dogs can weigh pups up to over 700 lbs.
Units Of Measurement
Most dog scales will give a measurement in either pounds, kilograms, and/or ounces. Make sure the scale you choose uses the measurement you are looking for.
Functions
What functions does the scale have? Generally, scales will have an on/off button and a unit of measurement button. Is there another function you are looking for? Check to see if the scale has it before buying it.
Tare
The tare function is great if you need to coax your dog into getting onto the scale. Put treats or toys onto the scale. The scale will weigh it. Press the Tare button. This will then zero out the weight. You can then have your dog get into the scale and the scale will weigh your dog without the weight of the other objects to give you a more accurate weight of your dog.
Hold
A hold function is good to have if your dog has trouble staying still. This function will keep your dog’s weight displayed even after they get off the scale to give you a chance to read it.
Non-Slip Surface
As stated above, a non-slip surface is beneficial to help your dog feel more secure on the scale without fear of falling off.
Display
Dog scales have a digital display. Some may have a background color and some may not. If you are like me, certain colors are difficult to see, so having a background color may not be a good fit for you.
Power Source
What powers up the dog scale? Most run on batteries, either AA or AAA. Some scales also offer the option of an AC adapter as well, but may be sold separately.
Best Dog Scales For Weighing Your Pup
Here are 6 examples of dog scales available. Product information is according to the manufacturer. We have selected three options for small/medium dogs and three options for medium/large dogs.
Best Dog Scales For Small/Medium Dogs
Each of these scales can weigh dogs up to 44 pounds.
Beurer Dog Scale
This scale has a curved platform for extra comfort and has a Tare function.
- Can weigh in pounds, ounces, and kilograms.
- Measures up to 44 lbs.
- LCD display.
- Curved platform.
- Can zero out weight to get rid of anything but your dog for a more accurate measurement.
- Uses two AA batteries.
- Measures: 22 x 12.2 x 2 inches.
Greater Goods Digital Pet Scale
This scale can measure from 1 oz. for very small dogs and puppies.
- For small and medium pets.
- Measures dogs from 1 oz. to 44 lbs.
- Tare function.
- Requires 4 AAA batteries (included).
- Can weigh your dog with or without the tray.
- Digital display.
IBE Supply Digital Portable Pet Dog Scale
This is a more basic scale with an LCD display.
- Weighs in kilograms, ounces, or pounds.
- Uses 4 AA batteries (included).
- Measures up to 44 lbs.
- LCD display.
- Measures 21.5 x 13 x 1.5 inches.
Best Dog Scales For Medium/Large Dogs
These scales are good to measure both medium and large dogs.
Mindpet-Med Digital Pet Scale
This scale has both Tare and Hold functions and has a removable tray. When using this scale, it is important to note that users have noticed that their dog’s weight differed depending on where their dog was placed on the scale.
- Measures in kilograms, ounces, or pounds.
- Includes a removable tray.
- Measures dogs 0.07lbs.- 220 lbs.
- Includes On/Off, Tare, and Hold functions.
- LCD display with blue backlight.
- Uses 2 AAA batteries.
- Scale measures 9.8 x 11.8 inches.
- Tray measures 23.6 x 10.2 inches.
Redmon Precision Digital Pet Scale
This scale has a non-slip mat and has a Hold function. The weighing surface may be small for some dogs to fit, so check the measurements carefully before buying.
- Weighs in pounds, ounces, and kilograms.
- Includes a digital display.
- Non-slip rubber mat.
- Hold feature keeps weight displayed after your dog gets off the scale.
- Weighing area measures 28 x 16 inches.
- Measures a dog’s weight from 1 lbs. 2 oz. up to 225 lbs.
- Uses 2 AAA batteries.
IBE Supply Heavy Duty Veterinary Dog Scale
This scale also has a non-slip mat and can weigh dogs up to 660 lbs. There is also an AC adapter sold separately to power it if needed. Users have mentioned that this scale can take some time to set up and calibrate, which was difficult for some.
- Steel platform.
- Rubber mat.
- LCD digital display.
- Measures dogs up to 660 lbs.
- Can weigh in kilograms or pounds.
- Uses 4 AA batteries (not included) or an AC adapter (included).
- Includes On/Off, Units, and Tare functions.
- Measures 37 x 20 inches.
It is possible to weigh your dog at home without having to take stressful trips to the vet’s office. A dog scale at home can help you keep track of your dog’s weight, ensuring they get proper nutrition, medication doses, and avoiding stress.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.