Obesity in Pets: Why It Matters and How to Address It

Pet obesity is becoming an increasingly common issue, yet many owners may not realise the true extent of the problem. It has been found that around 60% of owners with overweight pets believe their animal is at an appropriate weight (Eastland-Jones, 2014). This disconnect can make it harder for pets to achieve and maintain a healthy weight — with serious consequences for their long-term well-being.

Why Excess Weight Is a Concern from a Veterinary Physiotherapy Perspective

As veterinary physiotherapists, we see first-hand how excess weight impacts an animal’s body:

Extra forces through the joints – Carrying extra weight increases stress on bones, joints, and soft tissues. Over time, this can accelerate the onset of osteoarthritis and cause more rapid wear and tear, especially in animals with pre-existing joint issues.
Systemic inflammation – Obesity is linked to chronic low-grade inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can increase pain and discomfort, reducing an animal’s mobility and quality of life.
Concurrent diseases – Being overweight predisposes pets to other conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and liver issues, which can complicate treatment and overall health management.

Assessing Your Pet’s Body Condition

A Body Condition Score (BCS) is a practical way to assess whether your pet is at a healthy weight. It involves evaluating fat coverage over key areas (ribs, spine, waist, and abdomen) and assigning a score, usually on a scale from 1 (very thin) to 9 (obese). Consulting your vet or veterinary physiotherapist can help you accurately assess your pet’s BCS and set realistic weight goals.

Helping Your Pet Lose Weight Safely

Weight loss should be gradual and carefully managed. Here are some key strategies:

Controlled feeding – Weigh your pet’s food based on their target weight rather than free-feeding, or guessing. Stick to this portion consistently.
Feed a balanced, high-quality diet – Choose a veterinary-approved weight management or reduced-calorie diet. These diets are formulated to provide essential nutrients while reducing calories, helping your pet lose weight safely without feeling hungry or becoming nutritionally deficient. Avoid human foods, excessive table scraps, and diets lacking protein or fibre, as these can hinder weight loss and affect muscle mass. Always consult your vet before switching diets to ensure it suits your pet’s specific needs.
Limit treats – Treats can add up quickly. Consider using part of their daily meal as treats or reduce meal portions on days when extra treats are given.
Safe, controlled exercise – Gradually increase activity, focusing on low-impact exercises to reduce joint stress. However, exercise caution when implementing exercise – concussive forces can damage joints due to the excess weight carried by the body. Always consult a vet or veterinary physiotherapist before starting a new exercise program.

Additional tips

Set realistic goals – Gradual weight loss (usually 0.5–2% of body weight per week) is safer for joints, organs, and overall health. Rapid weight loss can be dangerous.
Monitor progress regularly – Track weight, body condition score, and waist measurements to adjust food and activity. Regular check-ins with your vet or veterinary physiotherapist help prevent plateaus or complications.
Consistency is key – Stick to feeding times, portion sizes, and exercise routines. Weight loss is more successful when the household follows the plan consistently

Eastland-Jones, R. C., et al. “Owner Misperception of Canine Body Condition Persists.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, vol. 1, 2014, Article 29, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4473163/