Losing weight is hard. Anyone who has tried to lose weight and keep it off will describe how difficult it can be . If your pet is a little more rotund than is healthy, then helping them regain and retain their waistline can be even trickier .
Author
- Jacqueline Boyd
Senior Lecturer in Animal Science, Nottingham Trent University
Drugs such as Ozempic (the brand name for the drug semaglutide) and Mounjaro (brand name for tirzepatide), both originally intended for treating type 2 diabetes in humans , have become increasingly used to support human weight loss . Given that estimates suggest that at least 50% of dogs and cats weighed at the vets are overweight , it's unsurprising that the future potential to use drugs to support pet weight loss is now being explored.
It's important to note that these weight management drugs are not currently in use for our pets, but it's undeniable that pet obesity is a growing concern, and pharmaceutical companies are looking for solutions.
Just like us, carrying excess weight is associated with several health conditions for our pets, including osteoarthritis , inflammatory conditions , metabolic disorders and even shorter lives . This means that excess body weight is a significant health and welfare concern for our pets and might even be linked to our own expanding waistlines .
Unfortunately, our pets have a number of lifestyle challenges that can make weight gain more likely. Food that is tasty, freely available, highly digestible and high in calories means it is easy for our pets to eat more than they need . Combined with the use of frequent food training rewards and even accidental or guilt-based overfeeding, pets can quickly gain weight, which is then often difficult to lose.
Spaying and neutering have been very effective at reducing pet overpopulation and lowering the risk of some health problems like mammary tumours . However, these procedures can also make pets more likely to become overweight . To help prevent this, owners usually need to adjust their pets' diets after surgery - most often by slightly reducing food portions and keeping track of their pets' weight and body condition.
Some animals are more likely to gain weight because of their genetics , and this tendency has been unintentionally reinforced during domestication. Labrador retrievers, often called "foodies", are a good example. Research shows that many Labs carry a gene mutation that affects an appetite-regulating molecule called pro-opiomelanocortin. Dogs with the mutation are more food-driven and more likely to gain weight than dogs without it.
Limited exercise is another big risk factor for weight gain. Many pets spend most of their time indoors or in the garden, which reduces their activity and energy use. Regular walking is good for dogs and their owners .
However, exercise alone won't necessarily keep your pet lean. So, what can you do without the use of weight-loss drugs to help your pet?
Helping your pet keep a healthy weight naturally
Knowing what a healthy weight looks like for your pet is essential. One of the easiest tools for this is body condition scoring . Instead of just looking at the number on the scales, body condition scoring involves feeling your pet's ribs, waist and tummy to check whether they're too thin, too heavy or just right.
When used alongside regular weigh-ins, it gives you a clear picture of your pet's overall health and helps you spot small changes early. Acting quickly on slight weight gain or loss - through diet, exercise, or a vet check - can make a big difference in keeping your pet fit and well.
Keeping active with your pet can help you both stay at a healthy weight. Playing games, adding fun activities, or just making sure your pet moves more each day are simple ways to support weight loss and keep it off in the long run.
What your pet eats is just as important as exercise when it comes to a healthy weight. A diet lower in calories to support steady weight loss is helpful for otherwise healthy pets. This can be done with foods that have less fat, moderate protein and more fibre . Some nutrients, like carnitine , which is often included in weight management diets, may also help the body use energy more effectively.
You can also look for low-calorie swaps that your pet enjoys. For example, many dogs love carrots and cucumbers as healthier treats .
If you are concerned about your pet's weight, do seek veterinary advice and support. Keep records of their body weight, body condition, overall health, activity and even food intake. This can help you see where there might be easy wins for improving their health, wellbeing and even lifespan .
The choice is clear: rather than waiting for pharmaceutical solutions, we already have the tools we need to help our pets live their healthiest, happiest lives . The question isn't whether we can help our pets maintain a healthy weight naturally - it's whether we're willing to make the commitment to do so.
In addition to her academic affiliation at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and support from the Institute for Knowledge Exchange Practice (IKEP) at NTU, Jacqueline Boyd is affiliated with The Kennel Club (UK) through membership and as advisor to the Health Advisory Group and member of the Activities Committee. Jacqueline is a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT #01583). She also writes, consults and coaches on canine matters on an independent basis.
