Pet obesity remains one of the most persistent challenges facing veterinary teams. Despite increasing awareness of its impact on health and wellbeing, there continues to be a significant disconnect between veterinary and owner perceptions of healthy body condition. 

UK Pet Food reports that 74% of vets believe pet obesity levels are increasing, while its research with pet owners demonstrates that owners frequently perceive their pets to be the correct weight despite the prevalence of overweight and obesity reported by veterinary professionals.[1] 

Body Condition Scoring (BCS) and Muscle Condition Scoring (MCS) provide valuable tools for helping veterinary teams assess patients and communicate healthy body condition to owners.[2] However, identifying the problem is only the beginning. 

Obesity can contribute to a range of health and welfare concerns, while adipose tissue is increasingly recognised as biologically active rather than simply an energy store. 

Long-term research has also demonstrated the potential importance of maintaining an appropriate body condition. In a lifetime study of 48 Labrador Retrievers, dogs receiving 25% dietary restriction had a median lifespan 1.8 years longer than control-fed dogs, alongside delayed onset of late-life disease, particularly osteoarthritis.[3] 

The challenge isn't simply knowing that a pet needs to lose weight 

For many years, the foundations of veterinary weight management have remained relatively consistent: appropriate dietary management, calorie control, exercise and ongoing monitoring. 

But the way owners feed their pets – and access nutritional information – is changing. 

A 2025 UK study involving 520 owners and 682 dogs and cats found differences in feeding practices between dog and cat owners, with raw and alternative feeding approaches becoming increasingly popular among dog owners. The study also found that most owners obtained nutritional information online, highlighting the increasingly complex environment in which veterinary weight-management conversations are taking place.[4] 

There is also the very human side of weight loss to consider. 

Food and treats can be an important part of the relationship between owners and their pets. Reducing them may therefore be emotionally difficult, particularly if owners perceive their pet to be hungry or experience increased food-seeking behaviours. 

Progress may also be gradual, and a number on the scales doesn't always tell the whole story. If owners become frustrated or feel that a programme isn't working, maintaining motivation and engagement can become increasingly difficult. 

This makes positive, non-judgemental communication, realistic goal setting and regular monitoring an important part of the weight-management journey. 

Are we giving owners enough tools to succeed? 

Successful weight management is about more than simply creating a calorie deficit. 

Satiety, food-seeking behaviour, maintaining lean body mass, mobility, owner expectations and motivation can all influence the weight-management journey. 

Regular monitoring of weight, BCS, MCS and body measurements can help veterinary teams demonstrate progress and give owners achievable milestones beyond the number on the scales.[2] 

And as our understanding of obesity develops, there may be opportunities to think more broadly about the support available alongside traditional weight-management programmes. 

One emerging area of research is the relationship between the gut microbiome and body condition. A 2023 study identified differences in faecal microbial populations and microbial networks between dogs with high and normal body condition scores. However, this remains an emerging area of research, and further studies are needed before the clinical significance of microbiome modulation within canine weight management can be established.[5] 

So, what's next for weight management? 

Dietary management, appropriate exercise and veterinary monitoring will remain fundamental. But perhaps the next step is to consider the whole weight-management journey – not simply what we want the pet to lose, but what might help the pet and owner stay engaged long enough to achieve it. 

How can we better support satiety and manage food-seeking behaviours? 

How can we help maintain lean body mass and mobility? 

How do we keep owners motivated when progress slows? 

And could emerging nutritional approaches give veterinary teams additional options alongside the strategies we already use? 

These are some of the questions VetPro will be exploring throughout The Webinar Vet's Obesity Month. 

And we may have something new to add to the conversation. 

Watch this space. 

References 

1. UK Pet Food. Pet Obesity: Data & Statistics. UK Pet Food. 

2. Freeman LM, Becvarova I, Cave N, et al. WSAVA Nutritional Assessment Guidelines. Journal of Small Animal Practice. 2011;52(7):385–396. 

3. Lawler DF, Larson BT, Ballam JM, et al. Diet restriction and ageing in the dog: major observations over two decades. British Journal of Nutrition. 2008;99(4):793–805. doi:10.1017/S0007114507871686. 

4. Hunter AR, Murison PJ. Pet Feeding Practices: A Survey of Dog and Cat Owners' Current Feeding Practices, Attitudes, and Motivations Within the UK. Pets. 2025;2(2):20. doi:10.3390/pets2020020. 

5. Kim H, Seo J, Park T, et al. Obese dogs exhibit different fecal microbiome and specific microbial networks compared with normal weight dogs. Scientific Reports. 2023;13:723. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-27846-3.