Obesity
Quick answer
Excess body fat harming health — around half of UK dogs and a quarter of cats are overweight per PDSA surveys. Linked to arthritis, diabetes and shorter lifespan. Ask your vet for a body condition score and weight plan — crash dieting is unsafe.
Definition
Excess body fat harming health — around half of UK dogs and a quarter of cats are overweight per PDSA surveys. Linked to arthritis, diabetes and shorter lifespan.
Symptoms
- Ribs hard to feel under fat
- No visible waist from above
- Low energy and reluctance to exercise
- Difficulty grooming (cats)
- Laboured breathing on exertion
When to see a vet
Ask your vet for a body condition score and weight plan — crash dieting is unsafe. Prescription weight diets and regular weigh-ins improve success.
Related guides & tools
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Obesity?
- Excess body fat harming health — around half of UK dogs and a quarter of cats are overweight per PDSA surveys. Linked to arthritis, diabetes and shorter lifespan.
- What are the symptoms of obesity?
- Common signs include Ribs hard to feel under fat, No visible waist from above, Low energy and reluctance to exercise, Difficulty grooming (cats). This is not a complete list — individual pets vary. See linked guides for fuller context.
- When should I see a vet about obesity?
- Ask your vet for a body condition score and weight plan — crash dieting is unsafe. Prescription weight diets and regular weigh-ins improve success.