07/11/2025
Pet Obesity: We’re Talking About It — But Are We Being Heard?
We all want our pets to live long, happy, healthy lives — and keeping them at an ideal weight is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to make that happen.
A study from the University of Liverpool found that overweight dogs can live up to 2.5 years less than those at a healthy body weight. This research looked at more than 50,000 dogs across different breeds — and showed that extra weight has a real impact on health and lifespan.
➡The reality
✅Around 30–50% of pets are overweight
✅74% of vets say pet obesity is increasing
✅Yet 77% of owners think their pet is the right weight
✅Only 4% believe their pet needs to lose weight
Interestingly, an recent online comment suggest that “vets rarely mention it,” yet a Veterinary Voices UK poll of over 1,000 veterinary professionals found that almost everyone does raise concerns about weight — only 3 said they wouldn’t.
➡Why there’s a disconnect
✅Obese pets are normalised – when so many pets are overweight, it can look 'normal'. Indeed, those with good Body Condition Scores are often called ‘too skinny’!
✅The words we use matter. “Obese” sounds harsh, so we may soften it — “a bit cuddly,” “good coverage on the ribs.” The message can lose urgency. We take responsibility for this, if this is the case, should we be more direct with you?
✅Owners care deeply about their pets and may feel blamed or judged, even when we’re just trying to help. This can become defensive and is not conducive to a good conversation.
✅Knowing what to do can be tricky — how much food to cut, what to feed, what treats count, how to keep exercise safe. That is why we want to help.
❤️Would the help instead?
✅ Focus on health, not looks.
Carrying extra weight increases the risk of many chronic diseases — but the great news is that weight loss is treatment.
Pets that lose weight often move more comfortably, need less medication, and enjoy a better quality of life.
✅ Use visuals.
Your vet team can show you a Body Condition Score (BCS) chart — it’s a simple way to see where your pet is now and what we’re aiming for.
✅ Get a plan.
Ask your practice for a personalised feeding and activity plan — including exact food amounts, treat swaps, and recheck schedules.
✅ Join a nurse-led weight clinic.
Registered Veterinary Nurses are amazing at helping families set small goals, check progress, and celebrate success.
✅ Make it a team effort.
Everyone in the household plays a part — who feeds, who gives treats, how walks fit in. The more consistent you are, the faster you’ll see change.
✅ Return for the clinics regularly to ensure you are on track
We can often slip back into old habits, having regular check ins can help keep us on the right track
✅ Tackle Begging Behaviour
Begging behaviour is very challenging for owners, we understand - it makes us feel guilty! But there is SO much we can do without adding more calories. For example, we can engage in enrichment and puzzle feeding to lengthen feeding times or we can weigh out our diet of choice daily and save a percentage of this behind as ‘treats’ when in fact it is part of their daily calories.
❤️The good news
❤️Weight loss isn’t punishment — it’s care.
❤️If you’re not sure where your pet stands, ask to see an RVN for an appointment. We can show you their BCS score and help you set simple, achievable steps.
Sources:
➡Salt et al., “Association between life span and body condition in neutered client-owned dogs,” J Vet Intern Med, 2019
➡UK Pet Food – Pet Obesity Data & Statistics
➡German, A.J., Holden, S.L., Wiseman-Orr, M.L., Reid, J., Nolan, A.M., Biourge, V., Morris, P.J. and Scott, E.M. (2012) ‘Quality of life is reduced in obese dogs but improves after successful weight loss’, The Veterinary Journal, 192(3), pp. 428–434. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.09.015
