Calculating an animal’s weight is about more than making them feel bad about all those extra table scraps. It is critical in determining the animal’s health, diet needs, and how much medicine it should receive. So, if your clinic’s vet scales are off, it could be affecting the entire way you’re caring for your patients.
Signs your scale is off
There are many reasons why a vet scale can be thrown off. Heavy use weighing animals that are too large for the scale can wear down internal components. Sometimes, it could be as simple as an uneven floor creating an inconsistent reading. Still, it can be easy for inaccuracies to go unnoticed if you’re operating a busy clinic.
The most common signs your vet scales are off include:
- Inconsistent readings. If an animal has suddenly dropped or gained weight according to the scale but doesn’t have any noticeable physical effects, the problem is most likely with the scale and not the pet.
- Inconsistent readings. If you’re operating a digital scale and the number continues to fluctuate, it could mean there’s an electronic malfunction.
- Inaccurate readings. If the number on the scale surprises you, trust your gut. Weigh the animal on another, more reliable scale and compare the readings. If you don’t have a second scale available, weigh an item, that you know the exact weight.
Aside from these more obvious indicators, many times, it is only slightly off, which means the problem goes unnoticed and unfixed. To avoid this, you should regularly test your scales for accuracy.
How to test your scale
As noted above, the best way to test your scale is by weighing an item you already know the exact weight. Consider keeping a 50-pound dumbbell in the office for this purpose. During the test, ensure your scale reaches zero. Then, simply plop the dumbbell on and take note of the numbers. If the scale says anything other than 50lbs, it’s time to examine the problem.
The first problem could be uneven flooring. Scales require a flat, hard surface to provide accurate readings. So, examine the surface your scale is sitting on for any dips or slants. You should also remove any rugs or cushioned surfaces from below it. Consider moving your scale to another location for additional testing to see if the problem is the surface.
If the floor is fine and your scale is still providing false recordings, you may need to explore mechanical or electronic parts. In this case, you should contact your manufacturer to inquire about the best way to recalibrate.
High-quality equipment and excellent customer service
At TriStar Vet, our work is about more than providing high-quality animal equipment. It’s about providing high-quality service. When you purchase veterinary scales, a veterinary exam table, kennel, or any other equipment from us, you can rest assured that our service will extend beyond your purchase—so that your equipment lasts the lifetime of your practice. View our veterinary scales today to find your replacement.