Obesity in Dogs and Cats

Just like humans, dogs and cats also love their food, especially treats or foods that aren’t the best for their health. Unfortunately, this can lead to issues with their weight and health, which can have a negative impact on their quality of life. 

A 2025 study conducted in Australia found that approximately 41% of dogs were overweight or obese, while a 2020 study by the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) revealed that around 32% of cats were considered overweight or obese. 

Pet owners want their furry family members to live a happy and healthy life, and one way you can guarantee this is by keeping them at a healthy weight. 

Health Issues Caused By Obesity 

Overweight dogs and cats may look cute and gain fame through social media 

videos and famous pet accounts, but there are real health risks involved that pet owners need to be made aware of. 

Some of the most common health risks associated with pet obesity include: 

• Heart disease 
• Diabetes or insulin resistance 
• Increased risk of different types of cancer 
• High blood pressure 
• Respiratory issues or distress 
• Liver and pancreatic disease 
• Increased risk of infections 
• Arthiritis 
• Kidney disease 
• Larger risk of injury 
• Higher risk surgeries 
• Shortened life expectancy 

Older dogs and cats who are overweight have an even higher risk of serious health issues and may have a shortened lifespan. 

How to Tell if Your Pet is Obese

It can sometimes be challenging to determine just how overweight your dog or cat is, especially if your pet has a lot of fur. 

Here are some handy tips to help determine whether your pet is overweight: 

Feel Their Ribs 

Can you feel your pet’s ribs? If the answer is no, this means they are overweight. Pets should have a slight layer of fat over their ribs, but you should still be able to feel them. 

Note that cats are slower to gain weight over their ribs, and so you may still be able to feel their ribs, even if they are overweight. 

No Clearly Defined Waist 

Your pet’s waist should be defined and easy to see. However, if their waist is the same width around their ribs and hips and has a barrel-shaped appearance, it’s a sign that they are overweight. 

No Energy 

If your pet is often listless or low on energy and shows little interest in playing or physical activity, this could be a sign of obesity, especially if your pet is still young. 

Waddling 

Does your pet waddle instead of walking? Sure, this is cute, but it can also be a sign of obesity in your pet. 

Appetite 

Does your pet have a healthy appetite, eating both dog or cat food and ‘human food’? Do they keep eating as long as there is food in their bowl? 

Chances are, the bigger your pet’s appetite, the more likely they are to have weight issues. 

Mobility Issues 

Does your pet have difficulty jumping onto the couch, into the car, or going up or down stairs? This could be a clear sign of obesity or weight issues. 

Lack of Grooming 

Dogs and cats groom themselves every day, so when they begin to look a bit dishevelled, it could mean that they can no longer reach certain areas on their body due to their extra weight. 

Heavy Breathing 

If even the simplest physical activity causes your dog or cat to breathe heavily and pant, it may indicate they are heavier than they should be or are suffering from an underlying health issue related to weight. 

Scales 

Keeping track of your dog or cat’s weight on a scale is an effective way to determine if they have gained weight and what their ideal, healthy weight should be. 

Helping Your Pet Say Goodbye to That Extra Weight 

Here are some helpful things you can do to return your dog or cat to a healthy weight: 

• A healthy diet: The best way to help your pet lose excess weight is to put them on a balanced, nutritious diet. You can ask your pet’s vet for a diet plan. Dogs and cats require a diet rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. Depending on your pet’s weight and health, your vet may put them on a specially formulated diet.
• Treats in moderation: Treats are called ‘treats’ for a reason. While there is nothing wrong with giving your furry family member a treat for good behaviour or for following instructions, be mindful of just how many you are giving them. Moderation is best! 
• Limit food intake: While some animals have naturally big appetites, this does not help their weight or health. Limit your dog or cat’s food intake or how many times they eat in a day. 
• Physical activity: Like humans, dogs and cats require regular physical activity to maintain their fitness and overall health.  Dogs should be taken on a walk at least once a day, especially if you don’t have a big backyard for them to run around in. Cats can be walked too! However, if they aren’t partial to going for walks, setting them up with interactive toys can achieve the same goal.  Around 40-60 minutes of physical activity a day is a great way to keep them active and at a healthy weight.

• Regular visits to the vet: Paying regular visits to the vet can help ensure that your pet’s weight is monitored regularly, allowing adjustments to be made before health issues arise. 

At Potiki, we understand how precious your pets are. We also know that the unexpected can happen at any time, resulting in extremely high vet fees. These unforeseen circumstances are why it is best to be prepared with pet insurance. Potiki offer our customers flexible covers with excess and extras to give you and your family peace of mind. Visit our website to obtain a quick quote and explore our various coverage options.