Welfare appraisal measuring techniques

indicators of poor welfare

signs of parasites

signs of disease

poor hygiene

signs of injury

abnormal behaviour

fear or stress

genetic selection

body condition scoring 

signs of disease

lethargy

laboured breathing

blood/vomit

discharge e.g. eyes, nose

body temperature

signs of injury

wounds/scarring

incorrect gait

poor hygiene

excessive faeces/urine

fear or stress indicators

distress/tense body during handling

avoidance of humans (proximity or physical contact)

directed aggression

cortisol analysis - checking levels (stress hormone) in blood or urine

genetic selection indicators

signs of hereditary health and behaviour traits e.g. hip dysphasia in a German Shephard dog

body condition scoring (BCS)

using species-specific charts - weight too high/low

score = 1, condition is emaciated, obvious detection of ribs, backbone and pelvis

score = 2, condition is thin, easily detected ribs, backbone and pelvis with pressure

score = 3, condition is ideal, ribs, pelvis and backbone barely felt with firm pressure

score = 4, condition is fat, no detection of ribs, pelvis and backbone

score = 5, condition is overly fat, no detection of ribs, pelvis and backbone

visual health inspection

from head to tail:

coat in good condition, good BCS

no signs of damage to head

no discharge from eyes/nose/ears

forelimbs resting correctly, free from wounds or scarring

hind limbs standing strong with normal movement

tail intact and mobile

how to monitor dogs

monitor in their surroundings to observe how they move and interact with other animals and humans

observe behaviour, gait and posture