Pet obesity is one of the most common and preventable health problems we see at Paws & Co Veterinary Centre in Tingley. Across West Yorkshire, an estimated one in three pets is carrying more weight than is healthy — yet many owners have no idea their companion is overweight at all.
It’s not a sign of bad ownership. In fact, it often reflects how much we love our pets. Those extra treats, the occasional table scraps, the snug life on the sofa — it adds up. But over time, excess weight quietly increases the risk of a long list of serious health problems.
Why Does It Matter?
Carrying extra weight places strain on nearly every system in your pet’s body. Dogs and cats who are obese are significantly more likely to develop:
- Joint disease and arthritis — especially in larger breeds
- Type 2 diabetes in cats
- Heart and respiratory problems
- Certain types of cancer
- Liver disease (hepatic lipidosis in cats)
- A shorter overall lifespan
Studies consistently show that dogs maintained at an ideal body weight live up to two years longer than overweight counterparts. That’s a meaningful difference.
How to Tell if Your Pet Is Overweight
The best way to assess your pet’s weight isn’t the scales — it’s a body condition score (BCS). Here’s a simple check you can do at home:
🖐 The Rib Test
Run your hands along your pet’s sides. You should feel the ribs without pressing hard, but they shouldn’t be visually prominent. Can’t feel them at all? Worth a check-up.
🔍 The Waist Check
From above, your pet should have a visible waist — a gentle narrowing behind the ribcage. From the side, the belly should tuck upward, not hang level with the chest.
🐱 The Cat Pouch Check
A small belly pouch isn’t always a concern, but if your cat’s abdomen sags noticeably when walking, that’s worth a vet assessment.
Common Causes of Weight Gain in Pets
Understanding why your pet has gained weight is the first step to addressing it. The most common reasons we see in practice include:
- Overfeeding — including both meals and treats (treats can account for 20–30% of daily calories)
- Incorrect portion sizes, often more than food packaging recommends
- Low activity levels, particularly in indoor cats and older dogs
- Neutering, which can reduce metabolic rate by up to 25%
- Underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism in dogs
If your pet has gained weight rapidly despite no change in diet or exercise, it’s important to rule out a medical cause. Conditions such as hypothyroidism (dogs) and Cushing’s disease can cause significant, unexplained weight gain.
What Can You Do?
If you’re concerned about your pet’s weight, the first step is a check-up with your vet. At Paws & Co, we’ll assess your pet’s body condition score, rule out any medical causes, and put together a realistic weight management plan tailored to your pet.
Weight Management Plans
This might include a prescription diet, adjusted portion sizes, and exercise recommendations appropriate for your pet’s age and breed. We don’t believe in crash diets for pets — slow, steady progress is safer and more sustainable. Most pets do best losing no more than 1–2% of their body weight per week.
Exercise Guidance
- For dogs: gradually increase walk duration and frequency; introduce play and enrichment activities
- For cats: interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and vertical climbing spaces all encourage movement
- Hydrotherapy can be valuable for obese dogs with joint pain — ask us for a referral
Ongoing Monitoring
Weight loss in pets needs regular monitoring. We recommend monthly weigh-ins during an active programme — these can be carried out during a nurse consultation for just £20. Members of our Companion Plan benefit from discounted consultations, making it easier and more affordable to keep your pet’s weight on track throughout the year.
Ready to Help Your Pet Reach a Healthy Weight?
Book a weight check with our team in Tingley. We’ll assess your pet, discuss a realistic plan, and support you every step of the way.