Pet Obesity Signs and Solutions: Helping Your Dog or Cat Reach a Healthy Weight

1. Introduction

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is my pet a bit chunky, or actually overweight?”, you’re asking one of the most important health questions for modern dogs and cats. Cat and Dog obesity signs and solutions are now a major focus for UK vets, because extra weight quietly increases the risk of arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and a shorter lifespan. RSPCA+1

Recent reports show that around half of UK dogs and over four in ten cats are overweight or obese, and the trend is still rising. The 2024 UK Pet Food Obesity Report found that vets considered 50% of dogs and 43% of cats overweight, while a 2024 analysis of the PDSA “Big Weigh In” campaign reported 45% of 1,262 pets (46% of dogs, 43% of cats) above a healthy weight. The Partridge Practices+3UK Pet Food+3Portland Vets+3

At the same time, most owners think everything is fine. In that same UK Pet Food report, 77% of owners believed their pet was a healthy weight, and only 4% admitted their pet needed to lose weight. UK Pet Food+1

This guide is designed for UK families – mums, dads, teens, busy professionals and tech lovers – who want clear, practical pet obesity signs and solutions for both dogs and cats. You’ll learn:

• How to spot early pet obesity signs using simple checks and body condition score charts
• Why weight gain happens (it’s not just treats – lifestyle, neutering, anxiety and owners’ habits all play a part)
• How to build a safe cat weight loss plan or dog slimming programme with your vet
• Everyday tools, apps and products – including budget-friendly options from Stomart – that help you measure food, enrich exercise and keep your pet trim for life

By the end, you’ll have a realistic roadmap for safe weight loss for cats and dogs, plus strategies to stop the pounds creeping back.

2. Market Context & Key Statistics

2.1 2024–2025 Pet Obesity Overview and Growth Trends

Obesity has become one of the top welfare concerns for companion animals worldwide. The PDSA PAW Reports and the UK Pet Food Obesity Report 2024 highlight that:

• Vets estimate around 46–50% of UK dogs are overweight or obese. PDSA+2Portland Vets+2
• Around 40–43% of UK cats are also above ideal weight. UK Pet Food+2Portland Vets+2
• A charity survey concluded that 1 in 3 UK pets overall are overweight. rspca-radcliffe.org.uk+1
• Nearly half of vets (49%) report seeing more pet obesity in recent years, and 25% list it among the top welfare issues for dogs. Portland Vets+2The Partridge Practices+2

These figures mirror global concerns in WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) nutrition guidelines, which describe obesity as the most common nutritional disorder in pets. wsava.org+2PMC+2

2.2 Consumer Behaviour and Demand Drivers

Why are pets getting heavier? Key drivers include:

• Overfeeding and free-feeding – Many owners top up bowls or feed ad-lib, not realising that recommended feeding amounts assume no extra treats. RSPCA and PDSA both stress the importance of weighing food. RSPCA+1
• Treat culture – Surveys of pet owners’ online searches show “Is my pet overweight?” and “How many treats should I give?” among the most common questions, reflecting confusion about snack portions. Katzenworld+1
• Reduced daily exercise – More indoor lifestyles, small gardens, long work hours and owners’ own weight struggles mean pets often get fewer walks and less interactive play. Pet Business World+1
• Lack of weight awareness – A PDSA-linked survey found 32% of dog owners and 53% of cat owners did not know their pet’s current weight, making subtle changes easy to miss. Royal Canin+1

2.3 Technology and Innovation Shaping Pet Obesity Signs and Solutions

Pet tech is increasingly part of pet obesity signs and solutions, especially appealing to teen tech enthusiasts:

• Pet activity trackers and smart collars log steps, rest periods and approximate calorie burn, helping owners see if their pet’s lifestyle has become too sedentary. PMC+1
• App-linked feeding scales and smart bowls measure exact food quantities and alert you if someone has double-fed the dog at breakfast.
• Nutrition guidelines and body condition score charts from professional bodies (WSAVA, PDSA) are available digitally, making it easier for families to check if their dog or cat is in the healthy 4–5/9 range. PDSA+2PDSA+2

At Stomart, you can pair these innovations with practical tools – such as accurate kitchen scales, slow-feeder bowls, treat-dispensing toys and harnesses for longer walks – to turn data into daily action.

3. Key Considerations Before Tackling Pet Obesity Signs and Solutions

Before you cut back food or double the walk length, step back and look at the bigger picture.

3.1 Safety, Regulations and Veterinary Guidance

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, UK pet owners have a legal duty of care, which includes providing a suitable diet and protecting animals from pain, suffering and disease. Obesity is explicitly referenced by welfare charities like the RSPCA as a major health risk that falls under this duty. RSPCA+2RSPCA+2

It’s vital to work with, not around, your vet:

• Rapid weight loss, especially in obese cats, can trigger hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver), a life-threatening condition. PMC+1
• Underlying issues like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease or arthritis can contribute to weight gain and must be ruled out. PDSA+2RSPCA+2
• A vet-approved safe weight loss for cats and dogs usually means losing 1–2% of bodyweight per week for dogs and 0.5–1% per week for cats, depending on starting condition. BSAVA+1

3.2 Body Condition Score, Not Just the Scales

Rather than obsess over kilograms alone, professionals use a Body Condition Score (BCS) chart (usually 1–9):

• Scores 1–3: underweight
• 4–5: ideal
• 6–7: overweight
• 8–9: obese

PDSA provides clear dog body condition score charts and feline equivalents, showing where ribs, waist and tummy should sit. PDSA+2PDSA+2

Simple at-home checks (also echoed by the RSPCA) include:

• Feeling ribs easily under a light fat cover
• Seeing a visible waist from above
• Noticing a tucked-up tummy from the side RSPCA+2PDSA+2

These checks form the backbone of practical pet obesity signs and solutions – you can repeat them every few weeks to see if changes are working.

3.3 Breed, Age and Neutering

Not all pets are built the same:

• Breed – Labradors, Beagles, British Shorthair cats and some small breeds are genetically more prone to weight gain. PMC+1
• Age – Senior pets move less and burn fewer calories; RSPCA warns that older dogs are particularly at risk, with obesity worsening arthritis and heart problems. RSPCA+1
• Neutering – After neutering, metabolism often slows; guidelines recommend reducing daily calories by around 10–20% unless activity increases. PMC+1

This doesn’t mean your pet is “doomed”, but it does mean your cat's weight loss plan or dog diet should be tailored.

3.4 Family Lifestyle, Space and Budget

Honest reflection time:

• How many people feed the pet? Are treats given for everything – from coming in from the garden to kids finishing homework?
• What does a typical week of walks or play look like?
• Do you live in a flat, a terrace with a small garden, or near big fields?
• What can you realistically spend monthly on light diets, interactive toys and measuring tools?

Getting real about your circumstances is crucial for choosing pet obesity signs and solutions that you can keep up long term, rather than a two-week boot camp that quietly fizzles out.

4. Types of Pet Obesity Signs and Solutions and When to Use Each

In practice, pet obesity signs and solutions fall into four broad categories: lifestyle, diet, medical and tech/support tools.

4.1 Lifestyle Signs: Behaviour and Mobility Changes

Some signs show up in daily life before you even touch the scales:

• Reluctance to go for walks or play
• Panting heavily after modest exercise
• Struggling to jump on the sofa, into the car or onto window ledges
• Difficulty grooming, especially around the back and bottom (common in overweight cats) RSPCA+2PDSA+2

Lifestyle solutions include:

• Increasing low-impact activity – more frequent, shorter walks; gentle games; indoor play for cats; puzzle feeders for both. PDSA+2RSPCA+2
• Creating daily movement routines that align with your own step goals or mental health walks.

4.2 Diet Signs: Bowls, Treats and Feeding Patterns

Diet-related signs and red flags:

• Food bowls topped up constantly “just in case”
• Human leftovers or “tidy-up scraps” forming part of daily calories
• Large, frequent treats – dental sticks, chews, biscuits – given multiple times a day
• Unclear who feeds the pet, leading to double meals

Diet-based solutions for pet obesity signs and solutions include:

• Precisely weighing food with digital kitchen scales rather than guessing with cups. RSPCA+1
• Switching to a vet-recommended light diet or weight-management formula with carefully controlled calories. PMC+2wsava.org+2
• Reducing treat calories to less than 10% of daily intake, a common guideline in professional nutrition resources. PMC+1

Stomart can support this by providing portioning tools, treat pouches and slow-feeder bowls in the Pet Supplies collection, helping the whole family keep track.

4.3 Medical Signs: Comorbidities and Clinical Risks

According to the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), obesity is linked to:

• Osteoarthritis and joint pain
• Diabetes mellitus (especially in cats)
• Respiratory issues and reduced heat tolerance
• Shorter lifespan and poorer quality of life BSAVA+2PMC+2

When these conditions are present, solutions extend beyond diet and walks:

• Pain relief, physiotherapy or hydrotherapy to allow gentle exercise
• Insulin therapy for diabetic cats combined with careful, gradual weight loss
• Regular monitoring and blood tests during more intensive weight-loss programmes

4.4 Tech and Tool-Based Solutions

This is where teen tech buyers can shine:

• Using wearables to compare daily step counts before and after routine changes
• Tracking bodyweight and BCS in a shared family spreadsheet or app
• Using automatic feeders to split meals into multiple small portions, ideal for cats prone to begging

Stomart can complement tech devices with ergonomic harnesses and leads for longer walks, toys that encourage hunting behaviour, and storage for low-calorie treats and measured kibble.

5. Step-by-Step Weight Management Guide / Owner’s Checklist

5.1 Step 1: Confirm the Diagnosis – Is My Pet Overweight?

Your first job is to move from “I think…” to “I know”. Combine:

• Weigh-in at the vet – use the practice scales and ask them to record it. Many clinics run free nurse-led weight clinics. The Partridge Practices+2rspca-radcliffe.org.uk+2
• Body Condition Score check at home using credible charts (PDSA, WSAVA). PDSA+2PDSA+2
• Smartphone photos from the side and above – repeat monthly for visible progress.

If BCS is 6/9 or higher, you’re officially dealing with excess weight; for 8–9/9, your pet is obese and needs structured help. magonlinelibrary.com+2BSAVA+2

5.2 Step 2: Set a Target Weight and Timeframe

With your vet, decide:

• Ideal target weight – often 10–20% below current weight for mildly overweight pets, and more for severely obese animals. BSAVA+1
• Weekly loss rate – typically 1–2% of bodyweight per week for dogs, 0.5–1% for cats. magonlinelibrary.com+1

For example, a 20kg dog ideally losing 1% per week would aim for around 200g loss weekly. A cat at 6kg might aim for 30–50g per week.

5.3 Step 3: Design the Feeding Plan

Core elements of a robust pet obesity signs and solutions feeding plan:

• Choose a complete, balanced weight-loss food (vet-recommended). WSAVA’s pet food selection guidelines explain what to look for on labels (nutritional adequacy statement, reputable manufacturer, feeding trials). wsava.org+1
• Calculate daily calories, then divide into measured meals. Your vet can do this, or you can use the calorie tables they provide. PMC+1
• Cap treats and include them in the daily allowance – use tiny pieces of kibble, carrot or vet-approved snacks. RSPCA+1

5.4 Step 4: Build the Exercise and Enrichment Routine

For dogs, how to tell if your dog is overweight is closely linked to how much they move:

• Start with low-impact, frequent walks – two to three short walks daily for obese dogs, building up duration slowly. PDSA+1
• Add brain games: scent trails, basic training, puzzle toys – especially on rainy days or for reactive dogs. PDSA+2magonlinelibrary.com+2

For cats, focus on:

• Play bursts of 5–10 minutes using wand toys, balls and chase games
• Vertical space (climbing trees, shelves) and food puzzles to mimic hunting PDSA+2PDSA+2

Stomart’s interactive toys, tunnels and treat-dispensing feeders offer ready-made tools for an engaging routine at home.

5.5 Step 5: Monitor, Record and Adjust

Every 2–4 weeks:

• Re-weigh your pet at home or at the vet
• Repeat the BCS check and compare photos
• If weight loss stalls for two consecutive weigh-ins, talk to your vet – you might need to tweak calories or activity carefully. BSAVA+1

Tracking can be as simple as a notebook or as techy as a shared family spreadsheet with graphs. Teenagers can help turn it into a mini data project or social content series.

6. Home Environment, Feeding Style and Family Habits

Even the best diet can be derailed by the “little extras” of family life.

6.1 Grazing, Begging and Emotional Feeding

Common patterns that sabotage pet obesity signs and solutions:

• Pets “grazing” on food left down all day
• Treats used every time the pet looks at you, whines or interrupts Zoom calls
• Comfort feeding when owners feel guilty about being busy or away

Behaviour and nutrition experts stress that reinforcing begging with food teaches pets to demand snacks; instead, respond with play, grooming or cues to their bed. PMC+2magonlinelibrary.com+2

6.2 Family Rules and Clear Roles

To keep things fair and consistent:

• Create a feeding rota listing who feeds each meal (great task for teens).
• Keep treats in one visible jar with a daily ration; when it’s empty, that’s it.
• Agree on household rules like “No human leftovers” and “All treats must fit in the jar”.

Stomart’s storage containers, treat tins and measuring cups can support these rules visually in the kitchen.

6.3 Making the Home Slimming-Friendly

Simple environment tweaks:

• Move food bowls away from sofas and dining tables to reduce sharing.
• Use slow-feeder bowls or scatter-feeding on snuffle mats to make meals last longer. PDSA+1
• Set up indoor activity zones: a climbing tree for cats, a small obstacle course or a scent corner for dogs.

6.4 Common Design Mistakes to Avoid

• Storing treats in every room – makes sneaky snacking easy.
• Huge food bowls that make proper portions look tiny, tempting you to overfill.
• Slippery floors in play areas – overweight pets are more prone to slips, so add rugs or play mats. BSAVA+1

7. Veterinary Support, Monitoring and Safety

7.1 When to See the Vet

Always seek professional help if:

• Your pet has suddenly gained or lost weight without a diet change
• There are signs of illness: drinking more, peeing more, coughing, vomiting, or obvious pain
• Your cat is obese (BCS 8–9/9) – rapid weight loss at home can be dangerous BSAVA+2PDSA+2

Vets can rule out medical causes and customise a safe weight loss plan for cats and dogs.

7.2 Vet-Led Weight Clinics and Programmes

Many practices offer:

• Nurse-led clinics with regular weigh-ins, BCS checks and motivational support
• Printed or digital feeding charts tailored to your pet’s chosen diet
• Access to therapeutic weight-management diets that are more calorie-restricted but still nutritionally complete BSAVA+2wsava.org+2

These clinics often cost little or nothing and can dramatically increase success rates.

7.3 Medication and Special Diets

In some cases, vets may discuss:

• Prescription diets formulated to support cat weight loss plans or canine obesity management
• Medications that help reduce appetite in obese dogs, alongside diet and exercise
• Joint supplements and pain relief to make movement more comfortable in arthritic pets BSAVA+2PMC+2

Medication is never a stand-alone solution, but it can make lifestyle changes more achievable.

7.4 Safety Checks and Red Flags

Stop and call your vet urgently if:

• Your cat stops eating for more than 24 hours during a diet
• Your dog becomes suddenly lame, breathless or collapses during exercise
• There is sudden vomiting, diarrhoea or distress after diet changes

Gradual, monitored progress is the cornerstone of responsible pet obesity signs and solutions.

8. Long-Term Maintenance, Relapse Prevention and Ageing Pets

8.1 Transitioning from Weight Loss to Maintenance

Once the target weight is reached:

• Increase daily calories slightly (5–10%) and monitor results over 4–6 weeks. BSAVA+1
• Shift from “weight-loss diet” to maintenance food if your vet recommends it.
• Keep up activity levels – it’s easier to prevent regain than to restart another diet.

8.2 Adjusting for Life Stages and Events

Life will change – and so will your pet’s needs:

• Puppies and kittens – weight gain can indicate healthy growth, but check with vets that increases are appropriate, not excessive. PMC+1
• Senior pets – may need lower calories but gentle joint-friendly exercise to avoid frailty. RSPCA senior dog advice emphasises close weight monitoring to avoid both obesity and unplanned weight loss. RSPCA+1
• Post-surgery or illness – energy needs and appetite can shift; always ask for updated feeding guidance. PMC+1

8.3 Keeping Motivation High for the Whole Family

• Tie pet walks to NHS activity recommendations for the family – 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. PMC+2BSAVA+2
• Celebrate milestones with non-food rewards – new toys, collars or cosy beds from Stomart rather than extra treats.
• Use social media or private family chats to share progress photos and graphs.

9. Costs, Insurance and Long-Term Value

9.1 Short-Term Costs of a Weight-Loss Plan

You may need to budget for:

• Vet check-ups and possible blood tests
• Weight-management food (which can be more expensive per kilo but fed in smaller amounts)
• New equipment: measuring tools, slow feeders, leads, harnesses, toys

Stomart aims to keep essentials affordable, with pet bowls, storage, interactive toys and home accessories that support weight-loss routines without luxury price tags.

9.2 Long-Term Financial Benefits

On the other side of the ledger:

• Obesity is linked to chronic diseases like diabetes and arthritis that can incur lifelong medication, tests and specialist diets. BSAVA+2rspca-radcliffe.org.uk+2
• Preventing these conditions through effective pet obesity signs and solutions can significantly reduce vet bills and emergency visits.
• Home damage from destructive or frustrated pets (chewed furniture, carpets) often drops once animals are better exercised and less uncomfortable. rspca-radcliffe.org.uk+2RSPCA+2

9.3 Insurance, Preventive Care and Wellness Plans

Pet insurers and clinics increasingly recognise obesity as a modifiable risk factor:

• Some insurers may exclude cover for conditions directly linked to obesity if owners don’t follow vet advice.
• Many vet practices now offer wellness plans including annual checks, vaccinations and weight-control support spread over monthly payments. BSAVA+1

Seeing diet and exercise as part of your financial planning for pet care helps reframe treats and “extras” as small costs with big long-term consequences.

10. Real-World Case Studies and Scenarios

10.1 Case Study: The Sofa-Loving Labrador

Background:
A five-year-old neutered male Labrador in a Birmingham family home, weighing 40kg with a BCS of 8/9. Parents work full-time; two teens; dog gets one short walk most evenings.

Pet obesity signs:
Panting on stairs, difficulty jumping into the car, noticeable fat deposits over ribs and tail base. dogstodaymagazine.co.uk+1

Solutions implemented:

• Vet-led plan targeting a 15–20% bodyweight reduction over 9–12 months. BSAVA+1
• Switch to a prescription weight-loss diet, meals weighed on digital scales.
• Household treat jar introduced; jar filled each morning with the daily treat ration.
• Teens took over morning and after-school 20-minute walks, using fitness trackers to hit step targets.

Outcome:

• Dog lost 7kg over 10 months, reaching a BCS of 5/9.
• Arthritis symptoms eased; he could once again jump into the car unassisted.
• Teens reported improved mood and physical fitness from their regular walks. RSPCA+2PMC+2

10.2 Case Study: The Indoor British Shorthair Cat

Background:
A four-year-old neutered female British Shorthair living in a London flat, weighing 6.5kg with a BCS of 7/9. She sleeps most of the day, with food always available.

Pet obesity signs:
Struggling to groom her back, breathless after short bursts of play, owner noticing “wobbling tummy”. PDSA+2PDSA+2

Solutions implemented:

• Vet assessment, ruling out medical issues; goal set to reduce to 4.8–5kg over a year.
• Dry food swapped to a measured light diet, split into five small meals delivered through puzzle feeders. PDSA+1
• Owner scheduled three 5–7 minute play sessions per day with wand toys and laser pointers.
• New cat tree from Stomart placed by the window to encourage climbing and watching birds.

Outcome:

• Weight reduced to 5.1kg after 10 months; cat now grooms fully and plays more freely.
• Owner reports better sleep because night-time pestering for food reduced once a routine was in place.

10.3 Case Study: The Multi-Pet Household with Confused Portions

Background:
Two dogs (a Cocker Spaniel and a Pug) and one cat in a busy blended family; three adults, three teens. Everyone gives treats; no one is sure who fed dinner. All three animals carry extra weight.

Pet obesity signs:
Begging, scavenging, visible loss of waistlines, panting on modest walks. PDSA+2dogstodaymagazine.co.uk+2

Solutions implemented:

• Family meeting to agree on rules; one adult took overall responsibility.
• Stomart storage tubs labelled with each pet’s name and daily ration; bowls pre-portioned in the morning.
• Shared calendar on smartphones to tick off walks, play sessions and meals.
• Weekly weigh-ins at the vet nurse clinic for three months.

Outcome:

• All three pets moved from BCS 7/9 to 5/9 over 8–10 months.
• Family reported fewer arguments about “who overfed whom” thanks to clear systems.

11. FAQs on Pet Obesity Signs and Solutions

11.1 What are the earliest signs that my pet is becoming obese?

Early signs include difficulty feeling ribs, loss of a visible waist, a less tucked-up tummy, slightly reduced enthusiasm for exercise, and grooming difficulties in cats. Using a dog body condition score chart or cat BCS guide helps you catch changes before they become severe. RSPCA+3PDSA+3PDSA+3

11.2 How can I tell if my dog is overweight without scales?

Stand above your dog: you should see an hourglass shape with a clear waist. From the side, the tummy should rise towards the back legs. Run your hands gently over the ribs – you should feel them easily but not see them poking out. PDSA+2RSPCA+2

11.3 What is a safe rate of weight loss for cats and dogs?

Most vets recommend dogs lose around 1–2% of bodyweight per week, while cats should lose 0.5–1% per week to avoid metabolic complications, especially hepatic lipidosis in cats. Always work with your vet to set targets. BSAVA+2magonlinelibrary.com+2

11.4 Can I just reduce my pet’s normal food instead of buying a diet food?

Sometimes, modest reductions of a complete, balanced diet work, but drastic cuts can leave pets short of essential nutrients or feeling constantly hungry. Special weight-management diets are formulated to be lower in calories but still satisfying and nutritionally complete. wsava.org+2PMC+2

11.5 Are high-protein or raw diets better for weight loss?

There’s no one magic diet. High-protein options can help some animals, but they must still be balanced and calorie-controlled. Raw diets carry food safety and nutritional balance concerns; major bodies like WSAVA recommend carefully evaluated, evidence-based diets and consultation with vets. PMC+2wsava.org+2

11.6 How many treats are too many?

A common guideline is that treats should make up less than 10% of daily calories. Many commercial treats are calorie-dense, so use tiny pieces or low-calorie options (like vegetables safe for dogs) and count them as part of the daily ration. RSPCA+2PMC+2

11.7 Can increased exercise alone fix pet obesity?

Exercise helps but is rarely enough on its own. Studies and clinical guidelines emphasise that calorie control through diet is the main driver of safe weight loss, with activity helping maintain muscle mass and mental wellbeing. BSAVA+2PMC+2

11.8 My cat cries for food constantly – what can I do?

Work with your vet to ensure the diet is appropriate, then use multiple small meals, puzzle feeders, and scheduled play to distract from constant snacking. Consistency from the whole family is vital; giving in sometimes teaches your cat to cry louder. PDSA+2PDSA+2

11.9 Are chubby pets really less healthy, even if they seem happy?

Yes. Obesity significantly increases the risk of arthritis, breathing problems, diabetes, urinary issues and reduced lifespan, even if your pet appears content right now. Early pet obesity signs and solutions can add quality years to their life. BSAVA+2rspca-radcliffe.org.uk+2

11.10 How can I involve my kids and teens in the weight-loss plan?

Give them age-appropriate roles: measuring food, logging weights, creating TikToks about healthy treats, or taking turns on walks and play sessions. Linking pet care with tech, content creation and mental health walks can keep them engaged. Katzenworld+2PMC+2

11.11 Where can I find reliable information about pet diets?

Use trusted sources such as PDSA, RSPCA, BSAVA and WSAVA, as well as advice from your own vet team. Be cautious about unregulated online advice or extreme diet trends. PDSA+3PMC+3BSAVA+3

11.12 Where can I get practical tools to support my pet’s new routine?

Alongside your vet’s guidance, look for retailers that offer slow-feeder bowls, measuring tools, puzzle toys and sturdy leads. Stomart’s Pet Supplies collection includes many of these essentials at everyday prices, helping you build an effective home set-up.

12. Summary and Action Plan

12.1 Key Takeaways

• Pet obesity is extremely common in the UK – around half of dogs and over four in ten cats are overweight or obese – but most owners don’t recognise it. Royal Canin+3UK Pet Food+3Portland Vets+3
• Pet obesity signs and solutions start with body condition scoring, not just weighing, to spot extra fat deposits and changes in shape. RSPCA+3PDSA+3PDSA+3
• Diet control is the cornerstone of any cat weight loss plan or dog slimming programme; exercise and enrichment play a crucial supporting role. BSAVA+2PMC+2
• Safe weight loss is slow and steady – typically 1–2% bodyweight per week for dogs, 0.5–1% for cats – and should always involve your vet. BSAVA+2magonlinelibrary.com+2
• Family routines, clear rules about feeding and treats, and an enriched home environment are critical for long-term success. rspca-radcliffe.org.uk+2RSPCA+2
• Preventing obesity and keeping pets at a healthy weight saves money long term by reducing the risk of chronic disease and behavioural damage. BSAVA+2RSPCA+2
• Practical tools from Stomart – from bowls and storage to toys and harnesses – make it easier to implement vet-approved pet obesity signs and solutions every day.

12.2 Action Plan: What to Do Next

1. Book a vet check to confirm your pet’s weight, body condition score and rule out underlying disease.
2. Measure and photograph your pet from above and the side; repeat every month to track progress.
3. Agree a family plan – who feeds which meals, where treats are stored, and how many walks or play sessions happen each day.
4. Switch to measured meals using digital scales and a suitable weight-management or maintenance diet, as recommended by your vet.
5. Create a weekly movement schedule: walks for dogs, play sessions and climbing for cats, logged in a shared calendar or app.
6. Set up your home with the right tools – consider slow-feeder bowls, puzzle toys, harnesses and storage from Stomart’s Pet Supplies collection.
7. Review progress every 2–4 weeks with weigh-ins and BCS checks; adjust slowly and gently with professional guidance.
8. Celebrate milestones with non-food rewards – new toys, comfy beds or family outings – and enjoy the extra years of healthier, happier life you’re giving your pet.

12.3 Recommendations

• Top Pet Automatic Feeders – Best 4 Comparisons 2025 – STOMART.CO.UK
•  Petplanet Review: A Complete Guide for Pet Owners – STOMART.CO.UK
• 7 Essential Steps for a Complete Pet Care Checklist at Home – STOMART.CO.UK
• Top Rated Cat Litter Box – Expert Comparison 2025 – STOMART.CO.UK

Key Takeaways (Quick Box)

• Pet obesity is common but preventable; spotting pet obesity signs and solutions early can add healthy years to your dog or cat’s life.
• Use body condition scores, not just the scales, to judge whether your pet is carrying extra fat.
• Combine accurate portion control, suitable diets and engaging daily activity for safe weight loss for cats and dogs.
• Involve the whole family – especially tech-savvy teens – in tracking progress and keeping routines fun.
• Work closely with your vet, particularly for obese cats and pets with other health problems.
• Treats should be tiny, counted and part of the daily calorie allowance, not endless extras.
• Stomart offers practical, affordable tools that make it easier to put these pet obesity signs and solutions into action in your real home, with your real family schedule.