How Can I Tell If My Pet Is Overweight?

I’ll never forget the moment our vet gently said, “He’s getting a bit chunky, isn’t he?” while giving my Labrador his annual check-up. I laughed it off at the time, but the truth was—it stung. I’d noticed he was slowing down on walks, and those “puppy eyes” had been winning a few too many snack battles. Turns out, we’d both gotten a little too cosy with the biscuit tin!

If you’re wondering whether your own pet might be carrying a bit of extra weight, you’re definitely not alone. It creeps up quietly—one treat at a time—and it’s not always obvious until someone else points it out.

So, from one pet owner to another (and again, I’m not a vet—just someone who’s been through it), here’s how to tell if your dog or cat might be a little on the chunky side.

What’s a Healthy Weight for Pets, Anyway?

Unlike humans, pets don’t have a handy bathroom scale they can hop on (and let’s be honest, most wouldn’t cooperate if they did!). Instead, vets in the UK often use a Body Condition Score (BCS)—which is basically a visual and hands-on way to assess if a pet is underweight, just right, or overweight.

Most BCS charts rate pets on a scale from 1 to 9, where:

• 1–3 = underweight

• 4–5 = ideal

• 6–9 = overweight to obese

Signs Your Dog or Cat Might Be Overweight

Here are a few tell-tale signs I noticed with my dog—and some that apply to cats too:

• You can’t easily feel their ribs without pressing firmly

• No visible waist when viewed from above—they look more barrel-shaped

• Belly sags instead of tucking up behind the ribs (especially in dogs)

• Lack of energy—they tire quickly on walks or don’t play as much

• Struggling to groom (cats) or panting more than usual (dogs)

Cats can be especially tricky. My older cat looked “fluffy” for ages until the vet pointed out she was actually a bit too plump around the middle. In her case, it meant she was starting to struggle with grooming properly, and that’s when we knew it was time to act.

Why It Matters

Extra weight can cause all sorts of health issues—from joint problems and diabetes to heart disease and reduced life expectancy. It’s not about appearances; it’s about helping them live comfortably for as long as possible.

What You Can Do

If you think your pet might be overweight:

• Pop to the vet – Most UK vet practices will weigh your pet for free and offer weight clinics or guidance.

• Cut down on treats – I’m all for spoiling our pets, but sometimes a belly rub or game of tug is just as rewarding.

• Measure meals properly – I was definitely guilty of “eyeballing” portions. Switching to a proper measuring cup made a big difference.

• Increase activity – More playtime, longer walks, puzzle feeders—whatever suits your pet’s age and energy levels.

Final Thoughts

Realising your pet’s overweight doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Honestly, it happens to so many of us—and the good news is, you can turn it around. With a bit of help from your vet and some gentle lifestyle changes, your pet will feel better, move better, and probably be a lot happier too.