Cats

Fish

Rabbits

Birds

Horses

Hamsters vs Gerbils: Which Pet is Right for You?

Rachel M.
by Rachel M.
Published:  September 12th, 2025

If you’re considering a small, furry companion, chances are you’ve thought about both hamsters and gerbils.


At first glance, they may seem quite similar, but their personalities, care needs, and lifestyles differ in important ways.


Understanding these differences will help you decide which is the better fit for your home and lifestyle.


Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Gerbil - image via Canva

Table of contents

1. Appearance and Behavior

Hamsters

Hamsters come in a variety of breeds, such as Syrian hamsters (the most common and largest type) and dwarf hamsters (smaller and quicker).


They are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active at night, and can be territorial, especially Syrians, who need to live alone. Their stocky bodies, short tails, and wide cheek pouches make them both adorable and practical for food storage.

Gerbils

Gerbils are generally smaller and slimmer than hamsters, with longer tails covered in fur. Unlike hamsters, they are diurnal, meaning they’re active throughout the day. This makes them easier to watch and interact with. They are social creatures and thrive when kept in pairs or groups, so adopting more than one is recommended.

2. Personality and Interaction

Hamsters

Hamsters are often seen as more independent. While they can be tamed with gentle handling, they may not always enjoy frequent interaction. Because they sleep during the day, young children may miss out on most of their activity.


Gerbils

Gerbils are energetic, curious, and love to dig, burrow, and explore. They tend to be more tolerant of handling and enjoy interacting with their environment. Families who want a lively, social pet may find gerbils more rewarding.

Hamster - image via Canva

3. Habitat and Care

Hamsters

Hamsters need a spacious cage with tunnels, wheels, and chew toys. Because they’re solitary, one hamster per cage is the rule. They also require frequent cage cleaning since they tend to mark and hoard food in one spot.

Gerbils

Gerbils thrive in a tank-style habitat with deep bedding for burrowing. A pair or small group can happily share a habitat, which makes for entertaining watching. They’re also generally cleaner than hamsters.

4. Lifespan

Hamsters

Typically live 2–3 years, depending on the breed.


Gerbils

Often live 3–4 years, giving owners a bit more time with their pets.

Hamster - image via Canva

5. Which Is Right for You?

A hamster may be the better choice if you prefer a single, independent pet that doesn’t require constant social interaction. Their nocturnal habits mean they are best suited for night owls who don’t mind most of the activity happening after dark. 


A gerbil, however, might be a better fit if you’d like to keep more than one pet together, want a more interactive companion that is active during the day, and enjoy watching group behaviors such as digging and burrowing.

YIXUND Cage Accessories, 12 Different Chew Toys for Hamsters and Gerbils

Buy on Amazon See more options

Final Thoughts

Both hamsters and gerbils make brilliant pets, but their differences in temperament, lifestyle, and care mean that one may be better suited to your household than the other. 


Either way, with proper care and attention, you’ll gain a charming, whiskered friend to brighten your home.  


Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Niteangel House w/Climbing Ladder for Hamsters and Gerbils

Buy on Amazon See more options
WOW
Rachel M.
Rachel M.

More by Rachel M.

Why Your Cat Loves to Chew Grass (And Is It Safe?)
Why Your Cat Loves to Chew Grass (And Is It Safe?)
View Article
Next
Related articles
Hamsters vs Guinea Pigs: Which Pet Is Right for You?

Hamsters and guinea pigs are two of the most popular small pets, especially for young children. While they both may be small and cute, they have notably different personalities, needs, and care requirements. Understanding their differences will help you decide which furry companion suits you best.

Blueberry Pill Pockets: The Easy Way to Get Your Dog to Take Medicine

Getting your dog to take medication can be stressful, especially if they refuse anything that smells like medicine. However, there’s a simple, natural hack that works for most dogs: using blueberries as a pill pocket. Blueberries are sweet, soft, and easy to mold, making them a great way to disguise as a treat. Just be sure your dog isn’t allergic to blueberries before trying this hack.

Signs of Anxiety in Cats

Cats develop anxiety for various reasons. Some experience separation anxiety, while others might be fine until they go through a sudden change in routine or move to a new home. Anxiety can also occur if a cat is traumatized, sick or in pain, or stressed by other pets or loud noises. Even being poorly socialized can lead to anxiousness.

New Research Reveals Dog Diversity Dates Back to the Ice Age

From the adorable little Pug snuggling on the couch to the towering Irish Wolfhound patrolling the yard, there is no questioning the incredible physical diversity of today’s domestic dog. It has been a commonly held belief among the dog-loving community that this variety was a recent development, resulting from the creation of modern dog breeds. Throughout the years, breeders and dog enthusiasts have focused on intensive, aesthetic-focused selective breeding to meet the breed requirements established by the formation of kennel clubs and the development of structured dog breeds as we know them today. So, are these differences the result of a few hundred years of human intervention aimed at creating dogs with specific looks and features? New research suggests there may be more to it than we realize! The research, published in the journal Science, suggests that the fundamental differences seen in dogs, specifically in their skulls, date back to the tail end of the last Ice Age, at least 11,000 years ago. Scientists examined a massive collection of 643 skulls, including those of modern dogs, ancient dogs, modern wolves, and ancient wolves, covering roughly 50,000 years of canine history. They found that the emergence of recognizable domestic dog features and significant variation between dogs appeared soon after they branched out from their wolf ancestors. “During domestication, dog skulls became proportionally shorter and wider compared with those of wolves,” explained bioarchaeologist and study co-lead author Carly Ameen of the University of Exeter in England. The dog was the very first animal domesticated by people. While ancient dogs didn’t possess the extreme facial features of a modern Bulldog, Ameen notes that dogs from the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods already showed about half the skull variation we see in all the different breeds today. But back then, they weren’t picking dogs based on how cute they looked; they were choosing them strictly for what they could do, their function and purpose. The relationship between humans and dogs was purely a working partnership for millennia. Dogs fulfilled crucial roles, including serving as hunting partners, herders, guards, and sled pullers. Early human societies selected dogs based on what they could best do, and with those practical needs came related physical features. For example, a shorter, stronger snout performed better for gripping, while a longer muzzle was better for tracking.    It was only in recent centuries that the way dogs are viewed in society shifted. As dogs became more integrated into our lives beyond their functional roles, preferences driven by status and appearance began to take over. As breed standards were formalized, these differences intensified and grew into the dog breeds we recognize today.  What does all this mean for us as modern-day dog parents? The research is a powerful reminder that the dog sleeping at our feet (or in our bed) is the result of a vast history based on function and practicality. Their unique and adorable appearance is not just a product of 200 years of focused breeding; it’s a testament to an 11,000-year-old story of evolution, where their physical form adapted to help humans survive and thrive. They were man's best friend back then and continue to be today. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

What to Consider Before Moving State With a Pet

Moving to a new state is exciting, but it can be stressful for your furry friend.Pets thrive on routine, so a move requires extra planning to make the transition as smooth as possible.Here are some key things to consider before hitting the road.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

3 Adorable Facts About Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are some of the sweetest companions you can bring into your home. Their gentle personalities and cute little habits make them incredibly endearing. Whether you already adore them or you are just curious about what makes these small creatures so charming, here are three adorable facts that show why guinea pigs have won so many hearts.

8 Tips to Prevent Pet Theft When You’re Away From Home

Pets aren’t just animals, they’re family. And just like any loved one, you want to make sure they’re safe, even when you’re not home. Unfortunately, pet theft is a real concern, so it’s important to take steps to protect your furry friends.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Virtual Dog Therapy Opens New Doors for Mental Wellbeing

For those of us who share our homes and our lives with a dog, we already know the truth: just a few short minutes spent with our pet can melt away the day’s stress. It’s a special connection that defines the human-animal bond. Now, new scientific research is not only validating the power of this bond but also proving that the benefits it offers are so strong they can be shared through a screen. In a recent study conducted by UBC Okanagan (UBCO), researchers found that even a virtual session with a therapy dog can significantly reduce a person’s stress. It’s a discovery that has big implications for our mental health and well-being. The study, led by Dr. John-Tyler Binfet, Director of UBCO’s Building Academic Retention through K9s (B.A.R.K.) program, and Dr. Christine Tardif-Williams, builds on earlier work that examined the impact of dog-assisted mental health interventions. The goal was to find a way to make the benefits of spending time with a therapy dog more accessible to the public, especially after the increased isolation and demand for virtual medical appointments seen during the pandemic. The findings, published in Human-Animal Interactions, were really promising. Over 1000 participants (including both students and community members) watched a five-minute pre-recorded video featuring a therapy dog and a handler. The videos featured key aspects of the in-person therapy dog experience, including calm conversations and guided reflection. Each participant completed a short stress survey before and after the session.  After comparing the surveys, researchers determined that participants experienced a noticeable drop in their stress levels simply by watching the short clip. “The results suggest that virtual therapy dog interventions can also benefit the broader public, particularly those who face barriers to accessing in-person mental health support, such as access to outside of normal operating hours or from a remote location,” explained Binfet. With the growing interest in telehealth services and similar alternatives in our lives, both for us and for pet care, the availability of virtual therapy dog appointments could be a game-changer for many who need it. It’s also a clear validation for those of us who have been saying that sharing our lives with our pets has a positive overall impact on our health and well-being. If a pre-recorded five-minute video of a dog can effectively lower stress, imagine the impact of spending your life with the warm, breathing, loving presence of a pet right next to you. When we interact positively with an animal, whether through petting, playing, or even just looking at them, it directly impacts our brain chemistry. The interaction triggers a release of oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” which makes us feel happy and connected. At the same time, it lowers the production of the stress hormone cortisol. Combined, this shift leaves us feeling happier, less stressed, and more content. Ultimately, this research is a reminder that the best therapy is often sitting right beside you, waiting for a belly rub. The discoveries in this study highlight an excellent opportunity for greater accessibility for everyone to benefit from the healing power of therapy dogs, even when an in-person appointment isn’t possible. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Can I Make My Dog Less Lonely When I Have to Work All Day?

We’ve all been there: the moment you grab your keys, and instantly, your dog’s ears droop, their head lowers, and those big puppy eyes lock onto yours. It’s as if they are asking, “Are you really going to leave me?” For loving pet parents, this moment often carries a lot of guilt.We love our dogs deeply, and our ultimate goal is to give them the best possible life. Yet, the demands of a working life (to finance their vet bills, high-quality food, etc.) mean hours spent away from your best friend. Providing the best life for our pups means addressing the heart of this problem: loneliness and separation anxiety. It’s not enough for our dogs to merely survive the 8 or 9 hours we are gone; they deserve to feel genuinely comfortable and content in their home, even when we aren’t there.This post will help you move past the guilt and equip you with the knowledge and practical steps necessary to ensure your dog is peaceful, happy, and confident while you’re away.Understanding the Problem: Loneliness vs. Separation AnxietyBefore we can help our dogs, we must fully understand what they are experiencing. Is it simply a case of missing us, or is it something more serious? The strategies we use to manage loneliness and boredom are very different from the complex intervention that will be needed if they are dealing with clinical Separation Anxiety (SA). It’s crucial to understand the difference between these two. If we treat a panic disorder like simple boredom, we won’t be able to address the root cause and improve their situation. Loneliness and boredom are a milder, more common form of discomfort. The dog misses you. They might pace for a few minutes after you leave, sigh dramatically, or settle down to nap most of the day. When you return, they are happy, but their behavior while you were gone is generally non-destructive (beyond maybe chewing a forbidden shoe out of pure boredom), and they are usually quiet. If this is their struggle, they are expressing a need for mental enrichment and connection. Clinical separation anxiety is a very real and debilitating panic disorder. Your dog is not mad or being spiteful; they are experiencing a full-blown panic attack because they believe they have been abandoned or separated permanently from “their person” (you). This intense fear triggers distress-driven, destructive behaviors that start immediately or within minutes of leaving.  Signs of True Panic If you see any of the following behaviors, especially starting shortly after they have been left alone, your dog is likely suffering from separation anxiety and not just loneliness: Destructive Behavior Focused on Exit Points: The dog’s destruction is often aimed at escaping the confined space. They may chew through door frames, scratch heavily at doors, or break out of windows or crates. This is not casual chewing; it’s a desperate attempt to escape and get back to you. Excessive, Sustained Vocalization: This involves intense, non-stop howling, barking, or whining that begins within minutes of you leaving and continues until you return. A short bark at the postman is normal; an hour of desperate howling is not. Inappropriate Elimination: This is when a previously potty-trained dog has accidents indoors only when left home alone. Because the dog is panicking, they lose control of their bodily functions. This is often accompanied by other signs of distress. Pacing, Drooling, or Frantic Behavior: If you monitor your dog with a camera, you may see them pacing obsessively, panting excessively, or drooling far more than usual. These are all common signs of severe anxiety. Why This Difference Matters Understanding this difference is critical if you’re going to help your pup. If your dog has separation anxiety, training to stop barking or providing a new toy may appear to solve the problem, but it doesn’t address the root cause: overwhelming fear.  If you suspect your dog is struggling with separation anxiety, your immediate goal shifts from simply managing their behavior to relieving genuine distress and suffering. This condition means they are experiencing serious, chronic stress, which can impact their long-term health. While this is a problem that needs to be addressed, it’s also an opportunity to strengthen your bond. By correctly identifying the cause and seeking appropriate help (which may involve vet appointments and work with certified behaviorists), you show your dog that they can count on you. You position yourself as a reliable, calming presence, even when you aren’t physically present. This strengthens their trust and ultimately helps them feel safer when alone. Pre-Departure and Arrival Rituals The time immediately before you leave and the moment you return are surprisingly the most critical for your dog’s emotional state and well-being. By managing these transitional moments, we can significantly reduce the anticipation and anxiety your dog feels when you reach for your keys. The goal is to make your departure and arrival as boring and routine as possible. Departure Cues Most dogs are brilliant observers. They learn to associate a whole series of actions with the fact that we are about to leave. The jingling of keys, the sound of the garage door opening, or the rustling of a jacket are all signals that trigger immediate anxiety and distress, sometimes up to 20 minutes before you even walk out the door. The best way to reduce the impact of these triggers is to separate them from this perceived meaning. Go about your usual “get ready to leave” routine at random times throughout the day, even on weekends, without leaving your home. Grab your keys, walk to the door, put them back, and sit down. Put on your coat, walk into the next room, and then take it off. By doing this multiple times daily, you teach your dog that these actions don’t always mean you’re leaving, helping to lower their overall anxiety level. Another important consideration is your goodbye. The long, dramatic, guilt-ridden goodbye (“Oh, I’m so sorry, sweetie, I’ll miss you so much!”) is actually counterproductive. It amps up your dog’s emotions, making your departure a bigger source of stress and anxiety. When you do leave, aim for a quiet, short, three-second goodbye, or even no verbal goodbye at all. The key is to leave when your dog is already calm or, better yet, engaged in a high-value activity (I’ll cover that below).

Are Ice Melts Safe for Pets?

When winter hits with its ice and snow, you’ll be tempted to reach for an ice melt to keep your walkways safe, but did you know there are a lot of ice melts that are dangerous for pets? It’s important to be aware of the risks and what your options are, as there are products that are safer for furry companions. Keep reading to learn about ice melt toxicity in pets, and products you can consider using instead.

5 Signs Your Cat Might Be Stressed

Cats often seem calm and independent, but they can experience stress just like we do. Recognizing the signs early can help keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Here are five common signs that your cat may be feeling stressed.

Are GPS Pet Trackers and Fitness Trackers the Same Thing?

You’ve microchipped your dog and have a securely fenced yard, but there’s still that tiny, nagging fear… What if they get spooked by a sudden noise and slip out the front door? What if your dog slips away when travelling? Or maybe your concern isn’t about them getting lost at all, but about their health. Is your cat getting enough exercise? Is your puppy getting too much?For a long time, we relied on observation and tried to communicate as accurately as possible with our veterinarians. But today, technology has given modern pet parents like you incredible tools to help in this aspect of your dog’s care.In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of pet wearables, breaking down the difference between GPS trackers and fitness trackers, exploring how each of these products works, and highlighting their strengths. You’ll have all the information you need to help you decide which is the perfect tool for your pet’s needs.What Are Pet GPS Trackers?A pet GPS tracker is a small device, typically worn on your pet’s collar, that uses satellite technology to pinpoint their exact location in real-time. Think of it like a personal, portable GPS system just for your pet. This isn’t just a simple tag; it’s a sophisticated piece of technology designed to help pet parents answer one of the most urgent questions that may arise: “Where are they right now?” They were originally used for hunting dogs, but today they are growing in popularity for house pets.The way a GPS tracker works is quite clever. The small unit on your pet’s collar receives signals from multiple satellites orbiting the Earth. By communicating with these satellites, they are able to calculate your cat’s precise position at any given moment. That position data is then sent to a server, where it can be accessed.Most trackers rely on a cellular network, which is why they require a monthly subscription, making it essential to have a cell phone plan for the device. However, others use a more traditional GPS technology that doesn’t rely on cell networks, allowing them to work even where a cell connection isn’t available.Once the information has been received by the network, it is then relayed directly to an app on your smartphone or a handheld receiver, giving you a live map of your pet’s location. This process allows for a virtually unlimited range, so whether your pet is a few blocks away or miles from home, you can see their location.The true value of a pet GPS tracker lies in its key features, which are all centred on providing security and peace of mind. Depending on the product you purchase, this may include:Real-time Location Tracking: The primary and most critical feature. This allows you to see your pet’s location on a map at any moment, so you can track them down if they get lost.Geofencing: This powerful tool allows you to set up virtual safety zones, like your backyard or a local park. If your pet wanders outside of this predetermined area, you’ll receive an instant alert on your phone.Location History: Most apps keep a history of your pet’s movements, so you can see where they’ve been. This can be helpful in identifying common escape routes or understanding their roaming habits.Durability: These devices are built to withstand the elements, often being waterproof and rugged to handle even an adventurous pet’s lifestyle.A GPS tracker is an invaluable tool for certain situations. It’s perfect for the adventurous pet who loves to roam, such as those who enjoy camping and hiking. If they become disoriented or lost in an unfamiliar environment, this will help you bring them home. They are also helpful for known escape artists who are always looking for (and somehow finding) a way out.It’s important to remember that a GPS tracker is not the same as a microchip. A microchip is a form of permanent identification that can be scanned by a vet or animal shelter if your lost pet is found. It can’t actively track your pet’s location.Similarly, it’s also important to note that a GPS tracker is far more reliable and has a greater range than a Bluetooth tracker (like an Apple AirTag), which only works when your pet is within a few dozen feet of your phone or someone else’s.Some examples of highly recommended pet GPS trackers include:Tractive Smart GPS Tracker ( for cats and for dogs) Fi Series 3+ Smart Dog Tracker CollarWeenect GPS Collar ( for cats and for dogs) Halo Collar 3 Garmin T 5X (my personal go-to)Understanding Pet Fitness TrackersA pet fitness tracker is a small device, usually attached to a collar or harness, that monitors your pet’s activity, rest, and overall behavior. Think of it like a Fitbit for your pet, designed to provide insights into their health and wellness. These devices are less about knowing your pet’s location (although some due have GPS capabilities) and more about understanding their lifestyle.Unlike GPS trackers, which use satellites, fitness trackers rely on an internal sensor called an accelerometer. This sensor detects and measures movement. The device’s software then translates this movement into meaningful data points, such as steps taken, distance traveled, active minutes, and calories burned. This information is typically synced to your smartphone app via Bluetooth, meaning there is no need for a monthly cellular subscription.The true benefit of a fitness tracker lies in the health data it provides:Activity Monitoring: Tracks your pet’s daily steps, distance, and time spent being active versus resting. This helps you ensure they’re meeting their exercise needs.Behavioral Insights: Some advanced models can monitor scratching, shaking, or changes in sleep patterns. This data can be a subtle but important early indicator of discomfort or health issues that you might not otherwise notice.Goal Setting and Benchmarking: The app allows you to set daily activity goals based on your pet’s breed, age, and weight. You can also compare your pet’s activity to other pets of the same breed and age, giving you a better understanding of what a healthy activity level looks like.Health Reports: Over time, the data creates a comprehensive picture of your pet’s activity and rest trends, which you can share with your veterinarian during checkups.A fitness tracker is an excellent tool if your main concern is your pet’s health. It’s ideal for managing a pet’s weight, as it provides data to help you create and stick to a weight loss plan. It’s also invaluable for monitoring recovery after an injury or surgery, as it allows you to see gradual improvements in activity.For aging pets, a fitness tracker can help you track mobility and identify potential signs of conditions like arthritis. Ultimately, it’s for any pet parent who wants to be more proactive about their pet’s long-term well-being and ensure they are getting a balanced, healthy life.Some examples of helpful pet fitness trackers include: FitBark Activity Monitor Link GPS Dog Tracker + Activity Monitor PetPace AI Health Monitor Minitailz Health & GPS Tracker for Dogs

Do THIS to Keep your Outdoor Cat Safe

Letting your cat explore the outdoors is exciting for them, but sometimes stressful for you. However, a few simple precautions can make a big difference in keeping your feline friend safe and healthy while they roam the outdoors.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Is Your Dog at a Healthy Weight? Using the Body Condition Score (BCS)

You want your dog to have the best possible quality of life, and that means focusing on both their happiness and their physical health. We talk a lot about the importance of good nutrition and exercise, but one critical piece of this puzzle is often overlooked or misunderstood: maintaining a healthy body weight.Unfortunately, a significant number of dogs are carrying a little too much extra baggage (and I’m not talking about the emotional kind). Many pet parents simply don’t recognize the sign until it’s too late, and their beloved pup is faced with the consequences of the excess weight. This includes health complications that can be life-changing or even life-threatening.The good news is that there is a simple tool available to all pet parents to help figure out if your pup is at their ideal weight. Better yet, it’s free! You just need to learn the basics of the Body Condition Score (BCS). By the end of this post, you’ll understand how to use the BCS like a professional, understand the risks of being too heavy or too light, and know what steps you need to take to ensure your dog thrives at their optimal, healthy body weight.What is the Body Condition Score (BCS)?The Body Condition Score (BCS) is, quite simply, the veterinary community’s gold standard for evaluating how much fat a dog is carrying. Think of it like a scale for body composition, which is much more accurate and meaningful than a traditional weight measurement alone. Why? Two dogs can weigh exactly the same, but because of their body shape, one might be lean and muscular, while the other might be carrying significant excess fat. The BCS focuses on the weight your dog is carrying, not just the numbers on the scale, and assesses whether the weight your dog is carrying is right for their individual body.The BCS isn’t something you can measure with a tape measure or a simple eyeball test. Instead, it requires a combination of visual observation and, most importantly, touch to determine where your dog falls on an overall scale.Visual Assessment: Looking at your dog from above and from the side to check for a defined waistline and abdominal tuck.The Touch Test: Gently running your hands along your dog’s ribcage, spine, and tail base to feel the underlying fat coverage.While both are important, the touch test in particular is crucial because fur, especially on fluffier or longer-haired breeds, can hide a lot. A dog may look slim, but the touch test will tell the true story.The Two Recognized BCS ScalesWhile the goal of both scales is the same (finding the sweet spot of optimal health for your dog), your veterinarian may prefer one of the two recognized BCS scales. For the sake of easily assessing your dog at home, I will focus on the simpler 5-Point Scale, but it’s helpful to know the more precise 9-Point Scale exists as well. The 5-Point Scale: Ranges from 1 to 5. A score of 1 indicates the dog is emaciated, and a score of 5 indicates the dog is obese. The ideal, healthy score is 3.The 9-Point Scale: Ranges from 1 to 9. A score of 1 indicates the dog is severely underweight, and a score of 9 indicates the dog is severely obese. The ideal, healthy range is 4 or 5.The difference between a BCS 4 and a BCS 5 on the 9-point scale is very subtle, which is why I recommend dedicated pet parents use the more practical 5-Point Scale for monthly check-ins. If you hit a clear BCS of 3 out of 5, your dog is in the ideal, healthy range.How to Assess Your Dog’s BCSThe beauty of the Body Condition Score is that it relies on three simple, tangible checkpoints that you can easily test at home. You’re looking for a specific blend of visual cues and physical touch sensations. Get comfortable, call your dog over, make sure you have treats close at hand, and I’ll walk you through the three key areas you need to check: the ribs, the waist, and the abdomen.The Ribs (Touch Test)This is the most crucial part of the entire assessment, as it tells you exactly how much fat lies beneath the skin, regardless of the fur that could be masking it. Place both of your hands lightly on your dog’s side, directly over their rib cage, and gently run your fingers along the ribs, moving back and forth. You should feel them easily, almost like the knuckles on the back of your hand when your hand is flat, but they shouldn’t be protruding, those same knuckles when you’re making a fist.BCS 1-2 (Underweight): The ribs are easily visible and feel sharp, prominent, and bony, with little to no fat covering.BCS 3 (Ideal): You can easily feel the ribs with just a light touch, but you cannot see them visibly popping out (except perhaps on short-haired breeds when they breathe deeply). They should feel like they have a thin layer of velvety fat or “suede” over them.BCS 4-5 (Overweight): You have to press firmly to feel the ribs through a noticeable spongy layer of fat. If you struggle to count them or have to hunt for them, the fat layer is too thick.The Waist (Visual/Overhead Test)Your dog’s waistline is the equivalent of their hourglass figure. It should be distinct and defined when you’re looking down at them from above. Stand directly over your dog while they are standing straight (not slouched or lying down) and look down at their back.BSC 1-2 (Underweight): The tuck-in is exaggerated, and the bones of the spine and hips might be sharply visible or prominent.BCS 3 (Ideal): You should see a clear and discernible waist. Their body should tuck in narrowly just behind the rib cage and before the hips. It should look like an hourglass or a gentle curve inward.BCS 4-5 (Overweight): There is no defined waist. The torso looks broad, oval, or blocky, extending straight from the ribs to the hips like a barrel.The Abdomen (Visual/Side Test)This view checks for the “tuck” under your dog's body, confirms their body shape, and identifies any signs of sagging that could indicate they are carrying excess weight. Stand to the side of your dog while they are standing. Focus on the area between the rib cage and the hind legs.BCS 1-2 (Underweight): The tuck is severe and exaggerated, often making their stomach look concave.BCS 3 (Ideal): You should see a significant abdominal tuck or upward slope of the belly when viewed from the side. This is most pronounced in athletic and deep-chested breeds (like Greyhounds or German Shepherds) but should be present in all breeds.BCS 4-5 (Overweight): There is no abdominal tuck. The belly hangs straight down or even sags. This is sometimes called a “pendulous abdomen” and indicates significant fat is being stored in the area.By putting all three checks together (the feel of the ribs, the view of the waist from above, and the tuck from the side), you can confidently assign your dog a BCS. If you consistently find yourself in the “Ideal BCS 3” category across all three points, congratulations, you’re doing a fantastic job! If your assessment leans toward BCS 4, 5, 1, or 2, it’s time to understand exactly why that matters and what you should do next.

How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Your Cat's Food

If your dog keeps sneaking bites from the cat’s dish, you’re not alone. Many dogs are drawn to cat food because it smells and tastes richer than their own.While an occasional nibble might seem harmless, regularly eating cat food can actually lead to health problems for your dog and cause tension with your cat. Here’s how to handle it.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Why Dogs Circle Before Lying Down

Does your dog turn a few slow circles before finally plopping down to rest? It’s one of those quirky habits that almost every dog does, yet few people stop to wonder why. The truth is, this seemingly odd ritual is deeply rooted in instinct, biology, and comfort. Here’s what you need to know.

Adding a Chameleon to Your Family? Let’s Get You Set Up!

(photo credit: MDigitalArtStudio / shutterstock.com)If your spatial setup and time constraints don’t allow for the maintenance required for a dog or cat, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to live pet-free. In fact, the pet industry has opened up exponentially to those “other” critters that don’t need outdoor walks, training, treats, or even for you to clear space on your bed each night. And, we’re not talking bunnies, hamsters, gerbils, or rats.Think chameleons. Yes, that color-changing lizard is gaining in popularity, and while it does require a little research, appropriate habitat set-up, and dedication to their unique care… they’ll never bark at the neighbours or cough up hairballs on your new rug.Let’s Look at What a Chameleon Is and Isn’tSo, they aren’t warm and fuzzy – physically or personality-wise. Truth be told, chameleons do best when left alone to be observed rather than handled. Yes, unlike puppies or kittens, they are not naturally affectionate, nor do they appreciate your attempts to socialize them by touching or picking them up. In fact, this fascinating lizard is in his happiest of happy places when he’s inside his enclosure… and you’re not.Now, with over 200 species out there, you want to ensure you fall in love with one that has been deemed “suitable for beginners” by those in the know. That’s because the required investment of time, money, and care can be daunting for first-timers and downright overwhelming if you’ve lined up a chameleon species that grows too big or requires a level of care beyond your ability.Finding a Species Compatible with Your LifestyleThose considered to be ideal for the novice lizard owner include the Veiled chameleon, which can grow up to two feet in size and live up to seven years. This big boy is followed by smaller variations, including the Panther and Jackson’s chameleons that will grow up to 12 inches in size and lastly the pint-sized Pygmy chameleon that, while just four inches in length, also has the shortest lifespan of just two to three years.While some are fairly adaptable in terms of temperature and humidity levels, others require much more specific care, so do your homework before bringing your new family member home.Investing in the Right EquipmentLet’s start with finding the perfect enclosure for your scaly friend. Because chameleons are an arboreal species – meaning they spend the majority of their life in trees and forest canopies – you want an enclosure that focuses on vertical space rather than horizontal. Because your little guy is going to want to climb, climb, climb.Not sure how vertical? From a size standpoint, something like a Veiled Chameleon would do well in an enclosure measuring roughly 24 inches square and 48 inches in height.

Unlock Better Health for Your Dog Through the Power of Nutrition

How We Feed Raw is helping dogs thrive naturally, one real meal at a time.It’s a familiar scenario: your dog seems slower, their coat isn’t as shiny, and digestive issues keep popping up.Of course, regular vet visits play a crucial role in keeping them healthy, but nutrition is an equally important piece of the puzzle.And that’s where We Feed Raw comes in. Their complete, balanced raw meals are crafted by PhD nutrition experts to support overall health, helping dogs feel their very best from the inside out.

About Privacy Terms Contact us Copyright
© 2026  VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved.