Why Your Pet’s Weight Matters
Carrying extra weight puts strain on your dog’s joints and increases the risk of arthritis, heart disease and breathing difficulties.

For cats, today’s indoor lifestyle makes weight gain common. With cosy sleeping spots and easy access to food, more cats are overweight than ever. Excess weight also raises the risk of diabetes and arthritis.

Important note:
If your pet’s weight or body shape changes quickly, this can signal serious illness. Book a veterinary check as soon as possible to rule out medical causes. For cats, never withhold food to crash diet - rapid weight loss can be dangerous.

How to Tell if Your Dog or Cat is a Healthy Weight

Every breed and body shape is different, so we don’t just use the scales. We use a Body Condition Score (BCS), which relies on sight and touch.

• Feel the ribs: You should feel ribs easily without pressing hard. Hard to find = likely overweight. Sharp or very prominent = possibly underweight.

• Look from above: There should be a visible waist. A barrel shape usually means extra weight.

• View from the side: The belly should tuck up slightly behind the ribs. A sagging tummy suggests excess fat.

👉 Download the Dog Body Condition Score Chart (WSAVA PDF)
👉 Download the Cat Body Condition Score Chart (WSAVA PDF)

Why Pets Gain Weight

Weight gain happens when pets take in more calories than they burn. To help them slim down safely, reduce calories, increase activity, or ideally do both.

Step 1: Cut the Calories

Measure their food
Free feeding or topping up bowls leads to overeating. Instead:

• Measure the day’s food each morning.

• Use that allowance for meals and treats.

• If multiple people feed your pet, this prevents double feeding.

Watch behaviour
Begging isn’t always hunger - often it is attention seeking. Try a pat, cuddle or quick game instead of food.

Use weight loss diets
If your pet is already on small portions and not losing weight, speak with me about switching to a veterinary weight loss food. These are lower in calories, more filling, and some support metabolism.

💡 Tip: After desexing, pets need fewer calories. If you don’t adjust their food, weight gain is likely.

Step 2: Slow Down Eating

Fast eaters often consume more than they need. Slow feeders, lick mats and puzzle feeders make mealtimes last longer and reduce overeating. Scatter feeding (spreading kibble across the floor or lawn) is another great option.

👉 Read my blog on puzzle feeders and food toys for more ideas.

Step 3: Add More Activity

Aim for two 5 minute play sessions per day. For senior or very overweight cats, start gently with toys they can bat while lying down and build up gradually.

• Dogs: Daily walks, fetch and short training sessions burn calories and keep minds active.

• Cats: Play hunting games with dangly toys or feathers, or use LED light toys safely to encourage chasing and pouncing.

How Fast Should Pets Lose Weight?

Safe weight loss is around 1% of body weight per week.
For example, an 8 kg pet should lose roughly 80 g weekly. If they are 4 kg overweight, it may take up to a year to reach their ideal weight. Slow and steady is safest.

Need Help Managing Your Pet’s Weight?

If you’re worried about your pet’s weight - or notice their shape changing quickly - book a veterinary check to rule out medical causes.

I can visit you at home to weigh your pet, assess their body condition and create a simple, practical plan tailored to them (and you).

📅 Book a home visit today and let’s get your pet feeling healthier and happier – all from the comfort of home.

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