Obesity

Obesity in Dogs and Cats

Recent studies report 41% of dogs and 32% of cats in Australia are either overweight or obese. While some medical conditions can contribute to weight gain in pets, the vast majority of cases stem from overfeeding and a lack of exercise.
The best way to help your pet achieve a healthy weight is to control the amount of calories they are eating and increase physical activity. If you’re struggling with your pet’s weight despite your best efforts, our veterinary team is here to help. We offer non-judgmental, tailored advice and weight loss plans designed for long-term success.

Why Pet Obesity Matters

Carrying excess weight significantly increases the risk of serious health problems, including:

• Joint disease such as arthritis, cruciate ligament injury and spinal disease
• Diabetes
• Exercise intolerance and respiratory disorders
• Decreased life expectancy
• Increased anaesthetic and surgical risks
• Picky eating habits or reluctance to try new diets

Could There Be a Medical Cause?

Sometimes, obesity isn’t just about diet and exercise. Sudden or unexplained weight gain could indicate an underlying health condition. Potential medical causes include:

• Hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease
• Musculoskeletal pain or Arthritis
• Certain medications

If your pet’s weight gain is rapid, unexplained, or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s essential to book a consultation before making changes to their food or activity levels.

The Role of the Owner

When no medical issue is found, obesity is usually the result of too many calories in and not enough energy out. Since our pets rely on us for their nutrition and activity, managing their weight becomes a shared responsibility. Simple adjustments like portion control, less treats, and increasing activity can make a big difference.

Tools for Success:

• Feed two measured meals a day instead of leaving food out all the time. This helps regulate metabolism and gives you control over how much they eat.
• Smarter Treating, treats can be part of a healthy diet, some healthy treat ideas are small pieces of cooked pumpkin or sweet potato, frozen peas or beans or a few pieces of dry food put aside from their daily portion
• Specially formulated diets (e.g., Hill’s Metabolic or Royal Canin Satiety) are low in calories but high in essential nutrients and fibre—keeping your pet full without the extra calories.
• Regular weigh-ins keep you motivated and help your vet adjust the plan as needed.
• Separate pets for meal time if there are multiple in the house, to prevent food stealing and overfeeding.
• Prevent access to other food, make sure your pet cannot access the bin, put them outside when it is time to feed toddlers and children.

Exercise and Get Active

Regular movement is important, but it should always be safe and appropriate for your pet’s age, size, and health condition. Seek veterinary advice prior to increasing your dog’s activity levels suddenly.

Ideas to get your pet moving:

• Daily walks (even short ones)
• Gentle play sessions throughout the day – avoid high-impact games like ball chasing

Make them work for it:

Engaging your pet’s mind and body during mealtimes can turn food into fun:

• Try muffin trays or slow-feeder bowls to slow down eating
• Use treat-dispensing toys like Kongs or puzzle feeders
• Create food treasure hunts around the house or yard
• Scatter-feed kibble to encourage natural foraging

We’re Here to Help

Weight loss can be a journey, but it’s one worth taking—for both you and your furry friend. If you’d like support, guidance, or a customised weight loss plan, book a consult with one of our friendly vets. Together, we can help your pet live a healthier, happier, and longer life.