"Your Pet Is Overweight". It’s Not Offensive… Nor a Joke
Written by Alessandro Didiano (doctor in veterinary medicine, MRCVS)
Disclaimer: This article is personally written by me, a licensed veterinarian with more than a decade of clinical experience. It’s for general information only and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a vet for health concerns or emergencies.
A few years ago, I arrived at the hospital where I was doing my internship. Like most internship days, I knew it would be long and intense. I headed to the office, headphones in, trying to finish the last two minutes of a podcast before the shift started.
Debbie, one of the other interns, burst into the room.
“Did you hear what happened?”
I pulled out the headphones, a little irritated to be interrupted before I’d even started my day.
“No… what?” I replied.
“Paulo’s been fired.” (the name has been changed for privacy reasons).
I went into an instant state shock. Paulo? He was one of the most brilliant vets I knew. Kind, intelligent, passionate about animal welfare.
“What? How?” I asked, stunned.
“He told a client their dog was obese. The owners laughed. Paulo tried to say it was a serious issue and they kept laughing saying it was just big bones. Paulo lost his patience. He looked at their overweight child and said ‘You wouldn’t laugh if your doctor told you that. about him", would you?"
I remained silent, trying to process what I just heard.
It was a completely inappropriate thing to say. Paulo made a serious mistake, and it cost him his job. And while there’s no defending the comment, I understood why he snapped.
Because I’ve been in his shoes.
Why This Still Gets to Me—Even After 11 Years
After more than a decade in veterinary practice, I’ve developed a fairly thick skin. When I was younger, I used to lose my temper more easily, especially when I felt my advice was being dismissed at the expense of the animal's wellbeing. . But over time, with experience (and a few hard lessons), I’ve learned to approach most difficult conversations calmly. Still, after all these years, there are two things that continue to unsettle me.
The first is when I ask if an animal is friendly and the owner replies with something like, “We’ll find out soon.” In other words, when someone jokes about the possibility of me getting bitten—as if that’s funny.
The second is the one this article is about: when I tell someone their pet is overweight, and they either laugh… or take offense.
The Two Scenario
Scenario 1: The Giggles
I’m in the exam room with a friendly couple and their dog, who is really struggling to get up because of arthritis. I gently point out that he’s overweight, and that weight is definitely affecting even more his arthritis joints. The owners exchange smirks and chuckles.
“Oh dear, the vet wants you to go on a diet. You are just fluffy, aren't you?” one says.
“He’s big‑boned,” the other adds.
Scenario 2: The Defensive Owner
In a different consult, I note a cat is significantly overweight. I suggest a weight‑loss plan. The owner folds their arms and told me "he only eats a handful of biscuits twice daily"
I breathe. I explain the risks, show a Body Condition Score chart, and try to focus the conversation on health and quality of life. Still, the owner leaves the room thinking I basically told them they are bad carers for their pet, when this is not what I meant at all.
Pet Obesity Is a Health Crisis
Obesity in pets is common and concerning. In the UK, recent figures show that over 50% of dogs and 44% of cats are overweight or obese. In the US, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) reports 59% of dogs and 61% of cats fall into those categories.
This isn’t about looks or aesthetics, it’s about health. Obesity is a disease that shortens lifespan and greatly diminishes quality of life.
Health Risks of Extra Weight
I think it is obvious (is it?) but it is worth reminding that excess weight affects pets on multiple levels:
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Joint disease and arthritis, often even before middle age
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Diabetes mellitus
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Respiratory difficulties, particularly in brachycephalic breeds
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Increased Surgical and anesthesia risks
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Decreased mobility and energy
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Higher risk for cancer and metabolic diseases
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Shortened lifespan: animals who are overweight may live up to 2.5 years less
Understanding Body Condition Score (BCS)
We recommend using the 9‑point Body Condition Score scale, as endorsed by the WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) and APOP. It looks like this:
You can use the chart images above to compare your pet visually and manually.
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BCS 1–3 = underweight
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BCS 4–5 = ideal weight
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BCS 6 = above ideal
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BCS 7–9 = overweight to obese
In an ideal pet, you should be able to feel (but not see) ribs easily, spot a waist when viewed from above, and see a slight abdominal tuck from the side.
What You Can Do if Your Pet is Overweight: Practical Steps
1. Switch to veterinary metabolism diets
These foods are balanced and filling, specifically formulated to promote fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass.
Weight Loss Diet for Dogs
Weight Loss Diet for Cats
2. Portion-control and measured feeding
Many owners overfeed without realising it, estimating by eye or using random cups. I recommend to always weigh your pet’s food with a digital kitchen scale or use a measured scoop marked with the correct daily amount.
Also, I recommend to always stick to scheduled meal times rather than leaving food out all day, especially for cats. If your routine is busy, automatic feeders can help you provide smaller, controlled and consistent portions throughout the day.
Shop Automatic Feeders for Cats Here (link)
3. Increase activity in safe and incremental ways
Obviously, like in people, exercise plays a crucial role in weight control. Start with what your pet can tolerate and build up from there.
For older dogs, this might mean more frequent walks, gentle uphill climbs, or gentle swimming. Younger or more mobile dogs may benefit from fun games (like fetch, tug-of-war, or agility-based activities).
For cats, we want to increase their physical and mental stimulation altogether . You can use interactive toys like feather wands or laser pointers. Vertical spaces like climbing structures or window perches can also promote natural jumping and exploration behaviours.
For older pets or those already experiencing joint discomfort, always introduce new forms of exercise slowly.
4. Weigh and score monthly
Another important habit is to weigh and body-score your pet monthly. Weight loss should be slow and steady, ideally one to two percent of body weight per week. Use the same scale each time, and reassess your pet’s Body Condition Score (BCS) regularly using the standard 9-point chart. This consistent tracking will help you make informed adjustments to their food intake or activity level, as and when needed.
Final Thoughts: Your Pet's Health is The Most Important Thing
When I say your pet is overweight, I’m not judging. I’m acting on your pet’s behalf (and on your behalf, at the end of the day people come to us because of our veterinary knowledge).
Weight-related complications develop slowly but, believe me, also relentlessly. If discussed early, they can often be reversed, or at least managed. That’s why it still gets to me when owners laugh or take offense: because avoiding the issue doesn’t protect your pet, it puts them at more risk.
Work with your vet. Ask us all the questions you need, that's what we are here for.
Obesity is one of the most widespread and preventable health issues affecting our pets today, and it's up to us (both vets and pet owners) to take it seriously. It’s not a joke. And it shouldn’t be a source of shame. It’s a medical issue that deserves our full attention.