How to know if your pet is overweight
From paunchy pups to rotund cats, veterinarians are diagnosing obesity more than ever—a harsh reality for pet owners to digest. In fact, many pet owners don’t even realize their pets are overweight or obese. So, what are pet owners to do?
Here’s how to know if your pet is on the right weight track:
1. Weigh your pet. The number on the scale doesn’t tell the whole picture, but it is a good starting point—especially if you keep track of your pet’s weight over time. Since your pet’s weight is checked at every routine veterinary visit, you can use your pet’s VCA health records to monitor any weight changes. If you have a cat or small-breed dog, you can also check their weight at home if you have a scale that is accurate down to the ounces, like a baby scale.
Remember, weight guidelines for different breeds may be helpful, but they are just that—guidelines. Speak with your veterinarian to find out your pet’s ideal weight.
2. Assess your pet’s body condition. Looking at your pet from different angles and feeling for certain body structures is a great way to determine whether your pet is overweight or obese. Scoring tools, like this one for cats or this one for dogs, help you pinpoint the signs that your pet may be packing too many pounds:
○ Face: Look for a clear bone structure with minimal fat covering, especially in cats.
○ Neck: You should see a clear distinction between the head and the shoulders, with no rolls or bulges where the collar sits.
○ Ribs: You should be able to easily feel the ribs with only a slight fat layer over them. They should feel about as prominent as the knuckles on the back of your hand when your hand is flat.
○ Waist: Your pet should have a discernible hourglass-shaped waist when seen from above. In dogs, the waistline can also be seen from the side.
○ Tail base: You should be able to easily feel the bony points in the hip and tail base area with a minimal overlying fat layer. There should not be any bulging or skin folds here.
3. Visit your VCA veterinarian. Your pet’s weight and body condition assessments aren’t complete without a consultation at your VCA Animal Hospital. Not only is your veterinarian an excellent—and necessary—channel in diagnosing and treating obesity and its related problems, but they are also your ideal weight loss resource and coach.
Monitor trends in your pet’s weight and activity using our handy weight tracker to ensure your pet is on the path to a long, fit and healthy life.