How can I tell if my pet is overweight?

Determining if your pet is overweight can be challenging, especially if they have thick fur or a naturally stocky build, but the following clues may indicate your pet weighs too much:

• Visible weight gain — The most apparent sign of obesity in pets is a visible increase in body fat. Compare year-old photos of your pet with how they currently look. If they have changed significantly, your furry friend likely needs help losing weight.
• Difficulty moving — Overweight pets may have trouble moving around comfortably, so they appear lethargic, are reluctant to play and exercise, or struggle to climb stairs or jump on furniture.
• Breathing problems — Excess weight can put pressure on your pet’s respiratory system, leading to wheezing, panting, or difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity.
• Poor coat quality — Overweight pets can struggle to properly groom themselves, leading to a dull, unkempt coat. Skin fold problems can also worsen in a too-heavy pet and result in more frequent skin infections.

The most accurate way to determine whether your pet is overweight is by assessing their body condition score which evaluates fat coverage, waist shape, and abdominal tuck rather than relying on weight alone. While a number on the scale can be useful when helping your pet reach and maintain a healthy weight, knowing their ideal body condition is more important. When a pet is at their ideal body condition, you should be able to easily feel their ribs without an excess fat covering, their waistline should be clearly discernible, and their abdomen should tuck up into their pelvis.

How to help your pet maintain an ideal weight

By helping your pet reach and maintain an ideal weight, you will not only extend their lifespan but also improve their overall quality of life and happiness. The following tactics can help your pet achieve a healthy weight:

• Measure food portions — While the feeding guidelines on your pet’s food bag are a good place to start, remember that they are only guidelines. Instead, calculate your pet’s daily calorie needs with veterinary guidance, divide that amount into two or three meals, and accurately measure each portion.
• Adjust their diet — Determine whether your pet’s diet is appropriate for their life stage, activity level, and health needs. If you’re still feeding your 4-year-old Labrador puppy food, it’s time to switch to an age-appropriate diet.
• Evaluate treats — If you can’t say no to your pet’s masterful begging, swap out fat- and calorie-laden treats for healthier alternatives. Pet-safe vegetables, such as green beans or carrots, and lean meats are excellent healthy treats for pets—and such snacks mean you can treat them more without going over their 10% daily calorie allotment.
• Ditch the dish — If you have a gravity self-feeder for your pet, toss it. While a bowl is acceptable if you carefully portion out meals, a puzzle feeder is a better option. Food puzzles encourage your pet to work for their meal and help them burn the calories they consume while they are mentally stimulated.
• Increase physical activity — Most pets are given too few opportunities for appropriate physical activity that fulfills their needs for exercise and play. Walk, play, or provide interactive toys to ensure your pet receives plenty of daily exercise. Gradually increase each session’s duration and intensity to avoid overexertion.
• Reward without food — Many pet owners equate food with love to show their four-legged companions affection. However, all that love in the form of tasty treats can harm your pet. Instead, offer affection through petting, praise, grooming, and playtime.

Aim for a slow, steady decrease in your pet’s weight. A dog can safely lose 1% to 3% of their body weight per month, while a cat can lose 0.5% to 2% per month.

What to do if your pet is not losing weight

Despite your best efforts, your pet’s diet and exercise plan may not be as effective as you would like. Weight gain or resistance to weight loss can be an early sign of underlying medical conditions. Medical problems that interfere with weight loss in pets include:

• Hypothyroidism
• Cushing’s disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Chronic use of certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids)

Your veterinarian plays a critical role in helping your pet achieve and maintain a healthy weight. In addition to identifying medical conditions that affect weight, they can recommend safe nutrition plans, activity levels, and monitoring strategies tailored to your pet’s needs. When addressing weight concerns, enlist your AAHA-accredited veterinarian’s help to ensure your pet’s weight loss plan is both effective and safe.

Reviewed by AAHA Veterinarians

Date updated: December 16, 2025