Pet Obesity Awareness Day: Is Your Cat or Dog Overweight?

Would you know if your cat or dog was carrying a little extra weight?

It's not always easy to tell. When you see your pet every day, gradual changes in their body shape can go unnoticed. And what looks like a healthy, well-fed pet might actually be carrying more weight than they should.

This Pet Obesity Awareness Day, 14 October, we're helping pet guardians take a closer look at their pet's body condition, understand why a healthy weight matters and learn a few simple checks they can do at home.

The weight we don't notice

It's surprisingly easy to miss gradual weight gain in our pets.

When you see your cat or dog every day, small changes can go unnoticed. A thick coat can make it even harder to tell what's happening underneath.

And sometimes, what looks like a healthy, well-fed pet might actually be carrying extra weight.

That isn't a lack of love. It's a recognition gap.

The good news? You don't need to wait for your next vet appointment to start paying closer attention.

The 60-second body check

You don't need scales to get a first impression of your pet's body condition. These simple checks can help you understand whether your cat or dog might be carrying extra weight.

1. Feel the ribs.

   Run your hands gently along your pet's sides. You should be able to feel their ribs with light pressure, a bit like feeling the bones across the back of your hand.

   If you need to press firmly to find them, there may be some extra padding.

2. Look from above.

   Stand over your pet and look at their shape.

   Most cats and dogs at a healthy weight have a visible waist behind their ribcage. If their body looks more rectangular or oval, it's worth paying attention.

3. Look from the side.

   Look at your pet's belly from the side.

   In many healthy-weight pets, the tummy tucks upwards slightly behind the ribs. If the belly hangs lower or appears rounded, it may be a sign of excess weight.

A note for cat guardians: Many cats have a soft flap of loose skin along their lower belly called a primordial pouch. This is normal and doesn't automatically mean your cat is overweight. What's more important is their overall body shape and how easily you can feel their ribs.

Every pet is built differently, so these checks are only a starting point. Your veterinarian can assess their body condition more accurately.

If any of these checks made you pause, that's okay. Recognising a change is the first step towards doing something about it.

Why a healthy weight matters

Extra weight affects more than how your pet looks.

In cats and dogs, being overweight is associated with an increased risk of health problems, including:

• Arthritis and joint strain
• Diabetes
• Heart and breathing problems
• Certain liver conditions

It can also affect how comfortably your pet moves, plays and goes about their day.

And because cats are smaller, even modest weight gain can make a meaningful difference to their body condition.

Maintaining a healthy weight isn't about appearance. It's about supporting your pet's mobility, comfort and long-term health.

For a deeper look at the science in dogs, read Dr Georges Rizk's blog, The Truth About Dog Obesity: A Vet's Perspective. 

Living in the UAE brings its own challenges when it comes to keeping pets active and maintaining a healthy weight.

The summer heat changes routines. When temperatures rise, outdoor walks often become shorter. Dogs who usually enjoy long walks may spend more time indoors and burn less energy.

Indoor cats may have fewer opportunities to move. Without regular play and enrichment, it's easy for indoor cats to settle into a routine that involves more sleeping than activity.

Those little extras add up. A treat here, a bite from someone's plate there, or a few extra rewards from different family members. Each might seem small, but together they can make a difference.

The solution doesn't have to be complicated. Try scheduling walks during cooler hours, introducing short indoor play sessions, using puzzle feeders and keeping everyone in the household on the same page about treats.

Small, consistent habits can help support a healthier routine.

Why cutting portions isn't always the answer

If your pet is gaining weight, your first instinct might be to simply feed them less.

But healthy weight management is about more than reducing the amount of food in their bowl.

Your pet still needs the right balance of nutrients to support their muscles, organs and everyday health.

Their nutritional needs also depend on factors such as age, breed, activity level, neutering status and medical history.

And if weight gain seems sudden or unexplained, it's important to speak to your veterinarian to rule out an underlying health concern.

Cats need particular care when losing weight. Rapid weight loss or prolonged periods without eating can lead to serious health complications, including a liver condition called hepatic lipidosis.

That's why weight loss should be gradual, monitored and guided by a plan suited to the individual pet.

The goal isn't simply to feed less. It's to feed appropriately.

A healthier weight starts with the right nutrition plan

There's no single feeding plan that works for every cat or dog.

Some pets need adjustments to their portions. Others may benefit from changes to their feeding routine, treat intake or overall diet.

At Wunderdog, we believe nutrition should be tailored to the pet in front of us.

Our fresh, gently cooked meals are naturally moisture-rich, providing hydration through food alongside drinking water. With appropriate portions and nutritional balance, fresh food can be part of a personalised weight management plan.

But finding the right approach shouldn't involve guesswork. That's where our in-house vet, Dr Georges Rizk, can help.

Not sure where to start? Let's talk about it.

Our in-house vet offers free online nutrition consultations for cat and dog guardians across the UAE.

Here's how it works:

1. Book a slot and share your pet's story.

   Choose a time that suits you and complete a short form about your pet's health, lifestyle and current diet.

2. Have a 30-minute online consultation.

   Dr Georges reviews your pet's situation, discusses their nutritional needs and answers your questions.

3. Get a personalised nutrition plan.

   You'll receive portion guidance, feeding recommendations and suitable meal suggestions based on your pet's needs.

4. Get ongoing support.

   Our team checks in to understand how your pet is responding and helps adjust their nutrition plan when needed.

Our nutrition consultations provide feeding guidance and support. They do not replace veterinary examinations, diagnosis or medical treatment.

This Pet Obesity Awareness Day, start with a simple check

You don't need to make big changes overnight.

Start by feeling your pet's ribs, looking at their waist and paying attention to their body shape.

If something doesn't seem quite right, speak to your vet and explore what a healthier feeding routine could look like.

Because a healthy weight isn't about having the skinniest pet. It's about helping your cat or dog feel comfortable, stay active and enjoy life.

Not sure if your pet is at a healthy weight? Book your free vet nutrition consultation and get feeding guidance tailored to their needs.