Keeping Your Pet at a Healthy Weight
In this guide
Surveys of vets in many countries suggest that a large share of dogs and cats are overweight. Many owners do not realise — we get used to how our pets look, and an overweight pet can seem normal.
Even a little extra weight increases the risk of arthritis, diabetes, and other problems.
How to check body condition
- Ribs: you should be able to feel them easily with light pressure, like the back of your hand
- Waist: looking from above, there should be a visible waist behind the ribs
- Tummy: from the side, the belly should tuck up behind the ribcage
- Cats: a small fat pad on the belly can be normal, but not a swinging pouch combined with no waist
Why pets gain weight
The causes are usually simple: too many calories and too little activity. Treats, table scraps, and generous scoops add up quickly. Neutering reduces energy needs, as does age. Rarely, medical conditions such as an underactive thyroid in dogs play a role — your vet can check.
Making a plan
Ask your vet to weigh your pet and agree a target weight and a safe rate of loss. Crash diets are dangerous, especially for cats, which can develop a serious liver condition if they stop eating or lose weight too fast.
Practical changes
- Weigh daily food on kitchen scales
- Count treats as part of the daily allowance, keeping them to about 10 percent of calories
- Swap some treats for low-calorie options, such as small pieces of vegetables suitable for pets
- Use puzzle feeders to slow eating and add activity
- Make sure everyone in the household knows the plan
Increase activity gradually
For dogs, add a little extra walking time or play. For cats, short play sessions with wand toys several times a day help. Overweight pets tire quickly and may have sore joints, so build up slowly.
Keep checking
Weigh your pet every few weeks and adjust portions as needed. Once your pet reaches its target, you may be able to increase food slightly — but keep monitoring.
This is general pet-care information, not veterinary advice. Every animal is different — if you are worried about your pet's health or behaviour, contact your veterinarian. In an emergency or a suspected poisoning, call your vet or an animal poison-control line immediately.