Weight Management & Obesity

Obesity is one of the most common, and most preventable, health problems affecting UK pets. Carrying excess weight doesn't just shorten a pet's life expectancy — it significantly increases the risk of a wide range of other conditions and reduces quality of life.

Why weight matters

Excess weight puts extra strain on joints, organs and the cardiovascular system, and is linked to:

  • Osteoarthritis and joint disease, including a higher risk of cruciate ligament injury

  • Diabetes mellitus, particularly in cats

  • Breathing difficulties, especially in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds

  • Increased anaesthetic and surgical risk

  • Reduced life expectancy

  • Skin problems, due to reduced grooming ability and skin folds

How do I know if my pet is overweight?

Body weight alone isn't always a reliable guide, since healthy weight varies by breed and individual. We assess pets using body condition scoring, which considers:

  • Whether ribs can be easily felt with light pressure

  • Whether there's a visible waist when viewed from above

  • Whether the abdomen tucks up when viewed from the side

If you're unsure how your pet scores, we're always happy to check at any appointment.

Common causes

  • Overfeeding relative to activity level

  • Excessive treats and table scraps

  • Reduced activity, particularly in older pets or after neutering

  • Underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease (less common, but worth ruling out in unexplained weight gain)

  • Neutering, which can reduce calorie requirements — worth adjusting feeding accordingly rather than a reason to avoid neutering

How we can help

  • Weight clinics: regular weigh-ins and body condition checks with our nursing team, free of charge, to track progress and adjust plans.

  • Tailored diet plans: calorie-controlled feeding plans based on your pet's target weight, breed and lifestyle.

  • Prescription weight management diets: available where appropriate, alongside advice on portion control and suitable treats.

  • Exercise advice: practical, achievable ways to safely increase activity, especially important for pets with existing joint issues.

Tips for owners

  • Weigh out food rather than estimating by eye — even small daily excesses add up significantly over a year.

  • Factor treats into the daily calorie allowance rather than as "extras."

  • Use a portion of your pet's normal food ration as training treats, rather than additional food.

  • Weight loss should be gradual and supervised — rapid weight loss, particularly in cats, can be dangerous.

Still have questions?

If you're concerned about your pet's weight, or would like to book a weight check with our nursing team, please contact us on 01797 252321.