Pet obesity continues to be one of the most serious health challenges facing dogs and cats across the United States and worldwide. National surveys suggest that more than half of pets are overweight or obese, making this the most common preventable disease in companion animals.
Yet obesity remains a sensitive topic—and many pet owners are unaware of how much extra weight can harm their pet. That’s why veterinary and animal health organizations promote National Pet Obesity Awareness Month each October, with a special focus on National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, which falls on October 8, 2025. These campaigns highlight the health risks of obesity, encourage prevention, and provide tools for pet owners to help keep their companions fit and healthy.
For additional reading and educational tools, visit the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s articles and news resources.
Why does National Pet Obesity Awareness Month matter?
The campaign’s purpose is to shine a spotlight on one of the most preventable but damaging health conditions in pets. With nearly half of dogs and cats overweight, veterinarians see the effects every day: shorter lifespans, chronic disease, reduced mobility, and lower quality of life.
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital – Bellingham, our specialists often treat the comorbidities linked to obesity—not just the weight itself. We see pets with advanced arthritis, cruciate ligament tears, respiratory distress, diabetes, heart disease, and complications during surgery or recovery, many of which are made worse or directly caused by excess weight. These are the hidden consequences of pet obesity that go beyond appearance, and they can be life-altering for both pets and their families.
Awareness month provides an opportunity for veterinary practices, shelters, and pet health organizations to educate owners about body condition scoring, safe weight loss strategies, and the importance of regular wellness checks. It also helps break down the stigma surrounding conversations about weight, encouraging open dialogue between veterinarians and pet parents.
Health risks associated with obesity in pets
Like humans, pets carrying excess weight face a range of serious health consequences. Clinical research and veterinary experience highlight risks such as:
- Shorter lifespan: Even moderate overweight in dogs can reduce life expectancy by up to two years.
- Chronic inflammation and metabolic imbalance: Fat tissue is biologically active—it releases inflammatory molecules that disrupt normal metabolism and insulin regulation.
- Higher anesthetic and surgical risk: Obese pets are more likely to experience complications during procedures due to reduced lung, liver, and kidney function.
- Joint and mobility problems: Overweight pets face greater risk of arthritis, ligament injuries, and spinal disc issues, limiting activity and causing chronic pain.
- Cardiovascular strain and hypertension: Obesity stresses the heart and circulatory system, raising the risk of disease.
- Reduced immune function: Obese pets often heal more slowly and may be more prone to infections.
- Heat intolerance and respiratory issues: Extra fat makes it harder for pets to dissipate heat and breathe comfortably, especially in brachycephalic breeds.
- Increased diabetes risk: Obesity alters hormone signaling and insulin sensitivity, raising the likelihood of diabetes mellitus.
- Liver dysfunction: In cats, obesity raises the risk of hepatic lipidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
How can I tell if my pet is overweight?
Veterinarians use Body Condition Scoring (BCS) as the gold standard for evaluating whether a pet is at a healthy weight. At annual wellness visits, your veterinary team will weigh your pet, assess their body condition, and discuss any needed adjustments in diet or activity.
At home, you can also look for signs:
- Can you feel your pet’s ribs without pressing hard?
- Does your pet have a visible waist when viewed from above, and an abdominal tuck from the side?
- Is your pet’s back broad and flat, or belly sagging?
- Has your pet slowed down, tired more quickly, or struggled in hot weather?
To learn more, here are two helpful demonstration videos:
- Purina Institute – How to Perform a Body Condition Assessment (Cat)
- Purina Institute – How to Perform a Body Condition Assessment (Dog)
If you are concerned about your pet’s weight, ask your veterinarian for a formal body condition assessment and guidance.
What factors influence pet weight?
Several elements can contribute to weight gain in pets:
- Diet and overfeeding: Free-feeding, oversized portions, high-calorie treats, or table scraps.
- Lack of exercise: Too little activity or enrichment, especially for indoor pets.
- Genetics and breed predisposition: Some animals naturally have slower metabolisms or stronger appetites.
- Age and neuter status: Metabolism slows with age and often after spay/neuter, without diet adjustments.
- Medical conditions and medications: Certain diseases and drugs can increase appetite or slow metabolism.
- Lifestyle: Sedentary environments, treat-heavy households, or inconsistent routines.
How to prevent or manage pet obesity
The good news: obesity is preventable, and in many cases reversible, with consistent effort. Strategies include:
- Portion control: Use measuring cups or scales to feed precise amounts.
- Scheduled meals: Avoid free-feeding to help regulate appetite and calorie intake.
- Limit high-calorie extras: Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.
- Encourage activity: Daily walks, play sessions, enrichment toys, and puzzle feeders.
- Make exercise fun: Choose activities both you and your pet enjoy.
- Use slow-feeders or food puzzles: Prevents gulping and makes meals more engaging.
- Regular monitoring: Track weight and BCS every few months.
- Work with your veterinarian: They can create a tailored plan, including therapeutic diets and supervised exercise if needed.
For further reading and expert guidance, visit the APOP resources and news page.
Final thoughts
Pet obesity isn’t a cosmetic issue—it’s a medical condition that shortens lives and diminishes quality of life. As of 2025, more than half of U.S. pets remain overweight or obese.
National Pet Obesity Awareness Month in October, and especially National Pet Obesity Awareness Day on October 8, serve as reminders of the importance of prevention. Small, consistent changes in feeding, exercise, and enrichment—supported by your veterinary healthcare team—can dramatically improve your pet’s health and happiness.
Here in Bellingham, we are fortunate to live in a community surrounded by opportunities for outdoor activity. From strolling along Boulevard Park to hiking the Chuckanut trails or exploring the waterfront, there are countless ways to incorporate healthy exercise into your dog’s daily routine. Even indoor cats can benefit from play, puzzle feeders, and enrichment that taps into their natural instincts.
At BBVSH Bellingham, our specialty team is here to help manage the complications of obesity and guide you in keeping your pet at a healthy weight. If you are concerned about your pet’s weight, consider scheduling a consultation with us this October.
