From Dr. Joubert 
Posted June 4, 2026

Just like in people, being overweight can have a significant impact on your dog or cat’s health, even if they seem happy, playful, and “normal” right now. 

Extra weight is not just a cosmetic issue. Fat tissue is biologically active and can contribute to inflammation, joint stress, breathing difficulty, metabolic disease, and a lower quality of life. Studies have shown that dogs maintained at an ideal body condition may live significantly longer than overweight dogs. One lifetime Labrador Retriever study found a median lifespan increase of 1.8 years in lean dogs compared with their overweight counterparts. 

 
Source: Kealy RD et al. Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. JAVMA, 2002. 

Why Keeping a Lean Body Weight Matters 

Maintaining a healthy weight helps your pet feel better, move better, and live better. 

A lean body condition can help: 

• Reduce stress on joints and help prevent arthritis and chronic pain  
• Improve mobility and comfort  
• Support better heart and respiratory health  
• Lower the risk of diabetes, especially in cats  
• Reduce the risk of heat stroke, particularly in warm climates like Florida and breeds with smoosh-flat-faces breeds.  
• Improve energy, stamina, and daily comfort  
• Support a longer, healthier lifespan  

“But I Love Feeding My Pet…” 

This is one of the hardest parts of weight management. Because for many of us, food feels like love. We give treats because our pets light up when they see them. Because they beg. 

Because we feel guilty leaving them alone. Because feeding them feels like bonding. We hear this every day: 

• “He only gets a little piece of my food.”  
• “She looks sad if I don’t give her a treat.”  
• “Treats are how I show love.”  
• “He’s always hungry, so I feel bad.”  
• “Grandma gives him snacks because she loves him.”  

And honestly, I understand, because I have been there myself. 

I have a 12-year-old Springer Spaniel whose ideal weight should be around 36 pounds. At one point, I was loving him a little too much with treats and extra snacks, and his weight went up to 48 pounds. Eventually, he developed an acute limp in one of his rear legs. After diagnostics, we found osteoarthritis in his hips and a ligament in his knee that might’ve required surgery.  We started a comprehensive weight management plan that included: A prescription weight-loss diet, joint supplements, pain medication and anti-inflammatories and strict portion control and treat reduction  

It took about 6 months for him to return to 36 pounds. The difference was incredible. He became more comfortable, more active, more energetic, happier and most importantly, he stopped limping. That experience reminded me that sometimes the most loving thing we can do for our pets is say no to extra calories. 

Research shows that pet obesity is strongly influenced by caregiver behavior, feeding habits, emotional reward patterns, and owner perception of ideal body condition. 

Source: German AJ. The Growing Problem of Obesity in Dogs and Cats. Journal of Nutrition, 2006. 
Source: Courcier EA et al. An epidemiological study of environmental factors associated with canine obesity. J Small Anim Pract, 2010. 

But showing love does not have to mean food only. Love can also look like: 

• A walk around the block  
• Playtime in the yard  
• Brushing and grooming  
• Puzzle feeders and enrichment toys  
• Training sessions  
• Praise and affection  
• Quiet cuddle time together  

Sometimes loving them best means protecting their long-term health. 

How Do I Know If My Pet Is Overweight? 

As veterinarians, we use something called a Body Condition Score (BCS). This is a 1–9 scale used to assess whether a pet is underweight, ideal, overweight, or obese based on body shape and fat coverage, not just the number on the scale. On this scale: 

• 4–5/9 = Ideal body condition  
• 6–9/9 = Overweight to obese  

Source: WSAVA Global Nutrition Toolkit / Clinician’s Brief BCS Guidelines 

At home, here are a few simple ways to assess your pet: 

• Feel the Ribs
  • You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs with gentle pressure.
  • If you have to press firmly or cannot feel them, your pet may be overweight. 
• Look From Above 
  • Your pet should have a visible waist behind the ribs. 
  • If the body looks round or oval, excess weight may be present. 
• Look From the Side 
  • The abdomen should tuck upward toward the back legs. 
  • If the belly hangs low or appears straight across, your pet may be overweight. 
• Watch Their Energy and Comfort 
  • Slowing down, tiring easily, difficulty jumping, stiffness, or decreased interest in play may all be subtle signs that extra weight is affecting your pet. 

What Can We Do to Help? 

Weight loss does not have to happen overnight. In fact, the healthiest weight-loss plans are gradual, sustainable, and realistic for both pets and families. Small changes can make a big difference: 

• Measure meals instead of free-feeding  
• Choose the right diet and portion for your pet’s age and lifestyle  
• Limit treats or switch to lower-calorie options  
• Avoid table scraps  
• Add daily walks, playtime, or enrichment  
• Schedule regular weight checks  
• Ask your veterinarian for a safe, individualized weight-loss plan  

Our goal is not just weight loss. Our goal is to keep your pet healthy, comfortable, active, and with you for as long as possible. 

Why Prevention Matters Financially, Too 

Obesity can also increase long-term veterinary expenses. According to Nationwide Pet Insurance, obesity-related conditions account for millions of dollars in veterinary claims annually, with overweight pets experiencing higher rates of arthritis, urinary disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and orthopedic injuries. 

Source: Nationwide Pet Insurance Obesity Claims Report 

Preventing excess weight now can help avoid more costly medical problems later. 

We’re Here to Help 

If you are not sure whether your pet is at their ideal weight, contact us to schedule an evaluation of the Body Condition Score (BCS). 

Our Fear Free team is here to partner with you, without judgment, to evaluate your pet’s body condition and create a personalized weight management plan at a pace that works for your family and your pet. 

For clients who would like to monitor progress at home, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention Weight Loss Calculator is a helpful tool for estimating body condition and tracking weight-loss progress between visits: 

Pet Obesity Prevention Weight Loss Calculator: 
https://www.petobesityprevention.org/step-weight-loss-calculator 

Remember: Small changes can make a big difference over time. 

Dr. Melissa Joubert 
Weston Road Animal Hospital