Signs That Your Pet Is Obese
Obesity affects 59% of dogs and 61% of cats, according to a 2022 survey from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Wondering if your pet is obese or simply a little fluffy? Learning about common obesity signs will help you decide if your pet needs to lose weight.
Why Obesity Is Bad for Your Pet
Obesity increases your pet's risk for health conditions and diseases. Obese pets are more likely to develop these health problems:
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Breathing Issues
- Kidney Disease
- Back Pain
- Some Types of Cancer
If your pet ever needs surgery, obesity may increase the risk of anesthesia-related problems, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA also notes that obesity might decrease your pet's lifespan and or affect the quality of its life.
Obesity Signs
Pets are considered obese if they are 20% to 30% or more over their ideal weight, depending on the type of animal. These signs may mean that your pet is obese:
- No Waistline. Stand above your pet while it's standing up and look at its waist. Does the body taper behind the ribs to form a waistline? If your pet doesn't have a noticeable waist, it may be obese. Take a look at the side view, too. If your pet is at its ideal weight, you should notice a slight upslope starting at the ribs and ending at the lower abdomen next to the back legs. A large, protruding or sagging abdomen means your pet is obese.
- Disappearing Ribs. Feeling your pet's ribs is another way to determine if your furry friend is obese. Put your hands on your pet's ribs just behind its front legs. If your pet is at a healthy weight, you should be able to easily feel the ribs through a thin layer of fat. If your pet is obese, you won't be able to feel the ribs, even if you press down slightly on the fat layer.
- Fat Deposits. Check your pet's chest, neck, and spine for fat deposits. Animals that are obese have thick layers of fat in these areas.
How to Help Your Pet Lose Weight
If your pet is obese, taking these steps will help it reach a healthy weight:
- Visit the Veterinarian. Obesity can be caused or worsened by some health conditions. For example, painful arthritis or joint issues may make it difficult for your pet to exercise. An underactive thyroid could slow down your pet's metabolism and encourage weight gain. If your pet's weight gain is caused by a health condition, your veterinarian can offer treatments or medications that will help control the underlying problem and enable your pet to lose weight. Your veterinarian can also recommend the best type of food to support weight loss and offer helpful advice and safe weight loss strategies
- Measure Your Pet's Food. Pet food packages list recommended feeding amounts measured in ounces or cup portions, such as 1/2 cup or 4 ounces. Unfortunately, many pet owners simply eyeball the amount when tossing food into a dish. Only 16% of dog owners and 3% of cat owners weighed their pets' food, according to a 2026 survey from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Weighing or measuring your pet's food helps ensure your furry friend doesn't overeat.
- Increase Your Pet's Activity Level. Inactive pets are much more likely to become obese. Increasing your pet's activity level could help your dog or cat shed extra pounds. Start by taking your dog for short walks. Gradually increase the distance or intensity as your pet gets used to exercising. Find something your dog loves to do, whether that's fetching a tennis ball, accompanying you on runs, or competing in agility training. Cats also benefit from exercise and enjoy stalking battery-operated mice, batting at a toy at the end of a kitty fishing rod, or chasing light beams from laser pointers. No matter what type of exercise your pet enjoys, increasing its activity level is essential for weight control and good health.
Do you need help managing your pet's weight? Contact our office to make an appointment with the veterinarian.
Sources:
Association for Pet Obesity Prevention: 2022 Survey Reveals Alarming Rates of Pet Obesity in the US, 2022
Association for Pet Obesity Prevention: New Survey Data: Most Pet Weight-Loss Attempts, 3/22/2026
https://www.petobesityprevention.org/articlesandnews/dzjvowbhdnq9ec6mkkmq9s39sim0ax
American Veterinary Medical Association: Your Pet’s Healthy Weight
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/your-pets-healthy-weight
American Animal Hospital Association: Is My Pet Overweight? How to Tell and What to Do Next, 12/16/2025
