Tracking Weight
Learn how to track your pet's weight over time and monitor their health trends.
Monitoring your pet's weight is one of the most important things you can do for their health. Petfolio makes it easy to track weight changes over time and spot potential health issues early.
Why Track Weight?
Regular weight tracking helps you:
- Detect health issues early - Sudden weight loss or gain can indicate illness
- Monitor diet effectiveness - See if your pet's food regimen is working
- Track recovery - Monitor progress after surgery or illness
- Prepare for vet visits - Have accurate weight history to share with your vet
Adding Weight Records
To log your pet's weight:
- Go to your pet's Health page
- Find the Weight Tracker section
- Click Add Weight
- Enter the weight and date
- Add an optional note (e.g., "After diet change")
- Click Save
Weighing Tips
- Weigh your pet at the same time of day for consistency
- Use the same scale each time
- For small pets, weigh yourself holding your pet, then subtract your weight
- For cats, a baby scale works great
Understanding the Weight Chart
The weight chart shows your pet's weight over time:
- Green line - Weight trend over time
- Data points - Individual weight recordings
- Hover over points to see exact values and dates
Reading Weight Trends
- Steady line - Healthy, stable weight
- Gradual increase - Could indicate overfeeding or reduced activity
- Gradual decrease - May be intentional (diet) or concerning (illness)
- Sudden changes - Worth discussing with your vet
Setting Weight Goals
If your vet recommends a target weight:
- Go to your pet's profile settings
- Add the target weight
- The weight tracker will show progress toward the goal
Tip: Healthy weight loss for pets is typically 1-2% of body weight per week. Faster loss should be monitored by a vet.
Weight Units
Petfolio supports both pounds (lbs) and kilograms (kg). To change your preference:
- Go to your Profile settings
- Select your preferred Weight Unit
- All weight displays will update automatically
Sharing with Your Vet
When you visit the vet, you can:
- Show them your pet's weight history on your phone
- Create a shareable link with weight data included
- Print the weight chart for their records
Common Questions
How often should I weigh my pet?
For most pets, monthly weigh-ins are sufficient. If your pet is on a diet or has health issues, weekly weighing may be recommended.
My pet won't stay still on the scale!
Try weighing them in a carrier or box, then subtract the container weight. For cats, place treats on the scale to encourage them to stay.
What's a healthy weight for my pet?
This varies by breed, age, and size. Ask your vet for your pet's ideal weight range.
Need Help?
If you have questions about weight tracking or your pet's health, consult your veterinarian. For app-related questions, contact support@petfolio.io.
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