A Vet’s Guide to Pet Obesity

Written By Andrew Marshall, DVM

“Is My Pet Overweight?” Why It’s Not Your Fault — and Why It Matters More Than You Think

At Roam Vet, we meet pet parents who are deeply dedicated to their animals’ happiness and health. So when we gently bring up the topic of weight, we want to be clear: this is not about blame. You’re not spoiling your pet. You’re not doing anything wrong. Pet obesity is extremely common, and most of the time, it comes down to one simple thing: too many calories in, not enough out.

And here’s the good news — with the right support, it’s completely manageable and we can turn that love you give them with the snacks and various food options, into equally satisfying habits that extends their lives!

🍗 Weight Gain Is About Calories, Not Character

In today’s world, pet food companies market treats that are small in size but huge in calories. A few extras here and there — table scraps, training treats, free feeding — and suddenly your 12-pound dog is consuming enough to maintain a 20-pound body. The same goes for cats, who often nibble throughout the day, or get less exercise indoors.

We’re not here to judge. In fact, we believe it’s an act of love to talk about weight — because it can add years to your pet’s life.

🩺 Why Extra Weight Puts Your Pet at Risk

Being overweight isn’t just about appearance — it’s a major medical issue. Pets who carry extra pounds are more likely to develop:

- Type 2 diabetes (especially in cats)

- Arthritis and joint disease

- High blood pressure and heart disease

- Increased surgical and anesthetic risks

- Shortened lifespan

Yes, extra weight can literally reduce your pet’s life expectancy — by up to two years, according to several studies. Helping them achieve a healthy weight isn’t cosmetic — it’s potentially lifesaving.

🔍 How Do I Know If My Pet Is Overweight?

You don’t need a scale to get started. One of the best ways to assess your pet’s shape is by using a Body Condition Score (BCS) — a visual and hands-on tool we use during every Roam Vet visit. You can also try it at home using this easy guide:

👉 Check your pet’s ideal weight here. (https://www.petobesityprevention.org/pet-weight-check)

Key things to look for:

- Can you easily feel your pet’s ribs without pressing?

- Do they have a defined waist when viewed from above?

- Is there a “tummy tuck” when viewed from the side?

If the answer is no, there’s a good chance your pet is carrying extra weight — and we’re here to help.

⚖️ How Roam Vet Can Help You Create a Weight-Loss Plan That Works

Every pet — and every home — is different. That’s why we build custom weight management plans during our in-home visits. We’ll help you with:

- Calculating your pet’s ideal caloric needs

- Choosing or recommending lower-calorie or prescription diets

- Creating feeding plans that work for **multi-pet households**

- Suggesting smart treat swaps and appropriate portion sizes

- Finding realistic, safe ways to add movement and play into your daily routine

We can even monitor weight loss progress at follow-up visits to keep things on track — without the stress of a clinic scale.

💛 Weight Loss Is Love — and It’s Worth It

Helping your pet reach a healthy weight can:

- Improve mobility

- Increase energy

- Lower the risk of chronic disease

- Reduce pain and inflammation

- And most importantly — extend their life

You’re already doing the most important thing: showing up and caring. If you’re wondering whether your pet could benefit from slimming down, we’d love to have that conversation — gently, supportively, and with your pet’s long-term wellbeing in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQ)

-Is my pet obese because they get too many treats? Not necessarily! Dry food in general is quite calorically dense and the meals you’re feeding may just be too high in calories. Certain treats like dehydrated meats or veggies are actually very low calorie for the most part!

-My pet begs for food, is are they going to be miserable on a diet? The goal is not to starve your pet. We want them to be satiated and mentally stimulated so that they are happy for many more years to come! This can be accomplished through bulky foods, including possible prescription weight loss diets.

Andrew Marshall, DVM
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