The foremost challenge in pet weight management is, of course, realizing that your pet has gained too much weight.

However, knowing your pet’s weight isn’t as similar to how we humans calculate our weight. You cannot just put your pet on the weighing scale and decide whether they are obese or not.

So, how can one tell? For pets, a system called body condition scoring (BCS) is used to assess their healthy weight.

Signs Your Pet Might Be Overweight:

• You can’t easily feel their ribs under a slight fat covering.
• Their waistline isn’t visible when viewed from above.
• They get tired quickly, even after just a little walk or playtime.

Ask your vet to perform a BCS assessment and compare your pet’s weight to breed-specific standards.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association has provided an excellent explanation of a dog’s ideal BCS score in the following pdf. Click here to access.

Just a couple of extra pounds can take a toll on your pet’s health. According to research, obese dogs live 2.5 years less than their fitter counterparts. That’s because being overweight increases the chances of:

• Joint problems: Additional weight puts stress on joints.
• Diabetes: Pets that carry additional weight are at risk of insulin resistance.
• Cardiovascular disease: Fat accumulation can interfere with blood flow and the normal operation of the heart.
• Breathing problems: Carrying extra weight can impair breathing, particularly in brachycephalic breeds.

Early intervention with a structured weight management plan can reduce these risks and improve your pet’s quality of life.

• One of the most effective pet obesity solutions is a personalized diet program. Your vet can guide you on:
  • Portion control: How much should you be feeding your pet daily?
  • Protein vs. Carbs: Does your pet need a high-protein diet?
  • Treat limitations: Are store-bought treats adding hidden calories?

  Many pet parents unknowingly overfeed their pets. In fact, a survey found that approximately 72% of pet owners overfed their pets, and 64% had never used a scale to measure their food servings.

  Your vet may suggest a weight-management formula or precise food portions to cut down excess calories.

Your pet also needs to move, as weight loss is not solely about food. Your vet will also recommend a healthy activity routine based on your pet’s breed, age, and current weight. They can suggest:

For Dogs:

• Small Breeds: 30 minutes of light play or short walks.
• Medium/Large dogs: 45-60 mins of daily activity (walks, exercise, training).

For Cats:

• 10-15 minutes of interactive play, such as laser pointers or feather toys.
• Encourage movement with climbing structures, etc.

Pairing up regular activity with pet weight management guidelines can reduce obesity risks and maintain a healthy pet weight.

You need to contact a vet for specific pet-related advice, as these insights can be generic. The intention here is to give you an idea of what vet-based pet weight management suggestions might look like.

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Routine weigh-ins help track progress and adjust diet and exercise plans. Your vet can recommend the following:

• Monthly weigh-ins for pets on a weight loss plan.
• Bi-annual check-ups for maintaining a healthy pet weight.

If you notice sudden weight gain despite diet control, underlying medical issues like thyroid problems could be at play. Regular check-ups help catch risks early.