Is My Pet Overweight?

Body Condition Scores

Wrapped in a fur coat, it can be hard to tell if your pet is at a healthy weight. That's why twice-annual vet visits are so important — your vet can assess body condition and assign a score of 1–5:

• 1 – Very thin: Severely defined ribs and waist (>20% under ideal weight)
• 2 – Thin: Easily visible ribs and waist (10–20% under ideal weight)
• 3 – Ideal: Ribs easily felt but not seen; defined waist
• 4 – Overweight: Ribs not easily seen or felt (10% above ideal weight)
• 5 – Obese: Waist absent (>20% above ideal weight)

What Causes Pet Obesity?

Lack of Exercise

Dogs need 2–3 walks per day plus active play. Cats need about 30 minutes of physical activity daily. When pets are sedentary, unused calories are stored as fat, making everyday activities harder over time. See our guides on running with your dog and entertaining your indoor cat for exercise ideas.

Medical Conditions

Arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other conditions can make exercise painful. Talk to your vet about pain management — and whether extra weight is making symptoms worse. A healthy weight management plan often helps alleviate joint pain.

Overfeeding

Even active pets can gain weight if they consume too many calories. Follow the feeding guidelines on your pet food packaging as a starting point, and ask your vet for personalized portion recommendations.

Treats count too. Limit treats to about 10% of daily caloric intake. If you give more treats, reduce meal portions accordingly. Non-food rewards like belly rubs or toys are great alternatives.

Tip: Never feed table scraps — human food is far more calorie-dense than pet food and can quickly exceed your pet's daily needs.

Nutrition Quality

Your pet's dietary needs change with age, breed, size, and activity level. A six-month-old kitten has very different needs than a senior indoor cat. Ask your vet to recommend a formula suited to your pet's specific profile. See our guides on adult cat nutrition and dog nutrition for what to look for.

Breed and Genetics

Some breeds are genetically predisposed to weight gain. In dogs: Labrador Retrievers, Cairn Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels. In cats: Manx, Maine Coon, and Russian Blue. Genetics influence how their brains recognize hunger and fullness — so these breeds need extra attention to diet and exercise.

Health Risks of Obesity

Obesity in pets is linked to serious conditions including arthritis, hip dysplasia, and respiratory disease — and can shorten their lifespan. On average, overweight cat owners spend 36% more on diagnostic procedures, and dog owners spend 17% more on healthcare and 25% more on medications.

The best approach is prevention: establish healthy exercise and feeding habits early, and work with your vet throughout your pet's life to maintain an ideal body condition. Helping your pet stay at a healthy weight is one of the most impactful things you can do for their quality of life.