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Nearly one in three dogs and cats in the U.S. is overweight, and most owners don’t notice until a veterinarian flags it during a wellness exam. Left unaddressed, extra weight raises your pet’s risk of diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and a shorter lifespan, and it quietly erodes day-to-day quality of life.

Why Even a Few Extra Pounds Matter Three extra pounds on a 10-pound cat is like an extra 38 pounds on a 125-pound woman. Five extra pounds on a 30-pound dog equals roughly 21 pounds on the same person, so small gains add up fast.

6 Vet-Approved Tips for a Healthier Weight Skip free-feeding: Don’t leave food out all day, and avoid table scraps and high-calorie treats. Treat feeding guides as a starting point: Package guides often overestimate needs, so adjust based on body condition. Pre-measure meals and snacks: Portion everything out each morning to prevent accidental overfeeding. Feed pets separately: Keep pets away from your own meals, and apart from each other if you have multiple pets. Transition foods gradually: Mix old and new food over seven days to avoid stomach upset. Add daily movement: Walks and fetch for dogs, interactive toys for cats, exercise helps prevent and manage weight gain.

Ready to find your pet’s ideal weight? Schedule a wellness weigh-in with our veterinary team so we can calculate a target weight and build a personalized nutrition and activity plan.