Why It Matters If Your Pet Is Overweight (And What To Do About It!)

As pet parents, we've all been there… Our dog gives us extra-shiny puppy eyes or our cat is decidedly snuggly, and the treats start flowing. Or maybe our work schedule ramps up and our four-legged friend doesn't get enough playtime. These things happen but can also result in our pet gaining a few extra pounds—and that matters more than you might think.

When our dogs and cats gain weight, it usually happens gradually—meaning it might go by unnoticed. One extra treat or one less walk may not seem like a big deal, but being 10% overweight can greatly increase the risk of our dog developing serious health conditions. And even one extra pound can impact our cat's health. 

We're big believers that knowledge is power. The more we know about our pets, the more easily we can cultivate their best lives—and that means knowing the ins-and-outs of weight maintenance. From signs of excess weight to creative forms of exercise to science-led nutrition from Hill's Science Diet, consider this your streamlined guide to supporting your pet's healthy weight and lifestyle. When our pet is living their happiest life, we are too! So let's dive in.

A few extra pounds may sound like NBD but can greatly impact your pet's quality of life. When pups are 10% overweight, they're at a much greater risk for serious health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, arthritis, bladder stones, or heart disease. Overweight cats also have an increased risk of developing these serious health conditions. Long story short, a healthy weight helps make your pet's life a joyful one (cue the purrs and tail-wags).

Is my cat overweight or just extra furry right now? Is it normal for my dog to be out of breath like that? If you're a pet parent, chances are you've asked yourself these questions. Weight gain is famously tough to detect, especially across different breeds and body types. While only your veterinarian can say for sure, there are signs you can look out for:

But here's another tool for your pet parenting repertoire. Hill's Pet Nutrition online L.O.V.E. test can help you understand your cat's or dog's current body shape and your feeding behavior. This is not a vet assessment; if you have concerns about your pet's weight, we recommend talking to your vet.

We love our pets, and sometimes that leads to overindulging them in treats or table scraps. You're not alone, but when it comes to weight maintenance, nutrition is No. 1. Just like you, your pet deserves precise nutrition that's backed by science—and that's where Hill's Science Diet comes in. More specifically, Adult Perfect Weight Cat Food and Dog Food provide breakthrough nutrition for weight maintenance. They're both made with natural ingredients with added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for that paw of approval. Perfect Weight provides nutrition for safe and effective weight loss visible within 10 weeks.

Our pets need nutrition, exercise, and love (not so different from humans!), but it's important to remember that each pet has different needs. "Your veterinarian is best able to guide you toward the right approach for managing your pet's weight to help ensure you have as many happy, healthy years together as possible," says Karen Shenoy, chief veterinary officer at Hill's Pet Nutrition US.

Whether your pet is overweight or you're staying proactive, all pet parents benefit from a weight maintenance plan that balances nutrition, exercise, and regular checkups at the vet. For precise nutrition, you can count on Hill's Science Diet. From there, regular exercise is of the essence. Get your dog's heart rate up (and your steps in) with daily walks, runs, or a swim. Use their favorite toys for fetch and tug-of-war. And for the cat who'd rather be dozing in the sun? Find engaging toys that will get them darting around the living room (nothing beats a white light on the wall). If they're up for it, try a cat harness and go for a walk.