Pets โ like people โ are becoming fatter. In fact, close to half of all dogs and a third of cats in Australia are classified are being overweight or obese.
While pet obesity is becoming increasingly common, there are significant consequences. If you have an overweight pet, they have an increased risk of developing serious health complications and will also likely have a lower life expectancy.
How do I know if my pet is overweight?
Many pet owners donโt realise that their cat or dog is overweight until itโs pointed out by their vet.
Pets are typically considered overweight if they weigh over 10% more than their ideal body weight, and obese if they are more than 20% over their ideal weight.
A few things that you can keep an eye on include:
- Is your petโs stomach rounded or sagging with weight?
- Can you feel your petโs ribs?
- Is their waist visible?
- Are they carrying extra weight at the base of their tail?
When you visit Moorabbin Veterinary Hospital for an annual health check, your vet will weigh your pet, and keep track of their weight from each visit. They will also assess your petโs body condition score, using a chart similar to the one shown below.

What are the health risks of an overweight pet?
An overweight pet cat or dog will typically have a lower life expectancy and a poorer quality of life.
They are also much more likely to be diagnosed with serious health complications, including:
- Diabetes
- Osteoarthritis
- High blood pressure
- ACL tears (particularly in dogs)
- Skin conditions
- Respiratory conditions
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
While many of these conditions are treatable, they will have a considerable impact on your petโs life and may well mean that they wonโt live as long as they would have if they were a healthy weight. Your hip pocket will also be affected, as these conditions need extra visits to the vet, regular medication, and in some cases, surgical procedures.
How can I help my overweight pet lose weight?
The key advice for weight loss is the same for pets as it is for people โ eat less and move more. However, it isnโt always that simple, however, this is where your vet can help. Your vet will be able to provide you with individualised, specific advice regarding diet and exercise based on your petโs age, breed and lifestyle.
A few key things you can do to help your pet lose weight include:
- Regular daily exercise โ a vigorous walk for dogs and some energetic indoor play for cats
- Eliminate any treats
- Carefully measure how much food you give your cat or dog โ you may be surprised how much food you give them each day
- Donโt give in when your pet begs you to share food โ distract them with play instead
- Make them work for their food by using toys that slowly dispense dry food
- Listen to your vet and follow their advice โ they are your best guide to keeping your petโs weight in check
Are you concerned about your petโs weight?
The team at Moorabbin Veterinary Hospital are pet owners themselves and understand that it can be a difficult balance to keep your cat or dog at their ideal weight. Itโs important to know that if your vet classes your pet as being overweight, this is not a judgment of you as a pet owner but is simply your vet wanting your dog or cat to live their healthiest โ and longest โ possible life.
Our experienced vets are here to help keep your pet in top shape with lots of practical advice in regard to diet and exercise.
To make an appointment you can book online, call us on 03 9555 4808, or drop into the clinic at 328 South Road, Hampton East.