In Western countries, excess weight is now considered the most common condition affecting pets. How is your four-legged friend doing? Come take the test!
Depending on studies (and countries), the prevalence—that is, the number of dogs with excess weight—ranges from 20% to 60%. In cats, the figures vary between 11% and 52%. Unfortunately, these numbers are on the rise, raising concerns about animal health and welfare.
How Are Overweight and Obesity Defined?
Not all experts agree on this point, which also explains why the aforementioned figures vary so widely. However, as a general rule, overweight is considered to be a weight excess of 10% above the ideal weight, while obesity is defined as a weight excess of over 20% above the ideal weight.
Which Animals Are Most at Risk?
Risk factors are numerous, and scientists agree that obesity is a multifactorial disease.
Animal-specific factors include:
- Breed : Retriever-type dogs are generally considered at-risk breeds;
- Sex : Females are often seen as higher risk, whereas in cats, males tend to be more frequently affected;
- Neutering : Neutered pets are at greater risk of overweight and obesity, particularly as sex hormone levels strongly influence energy requirements;
- Age : As with humans, body condition is influenced by age;
along with environmental factors:
- Lifestyle and physical activity: indoor-only cats are more prone to overweight and obesity, as they tend to be less active than cats with outdoor access—but that’s not the only factor. Stress from apartment living (for example) also plays a role. Diet
- : calorie intake matters, as does food quality. Watch out for treats and little "extras"—often, it’s the owner’s habits that tip the energy balance.
While genetics may play a role, overweight and obesity are, in the vast majority of cases, the result of an imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure.
How Can I Tell If My Pet Is Overweight?
The method typically used by professionals to assess pets' body condition is called the Body Condition Score (BCS). This scoring system can be done at home, easily and quickly. It ranges from 1 to 9, with 1 representing the thinnest condition and 9 the most obese.
This notation is performed
- When observing your pet from the side and above: the waist should be visible, but not overly pronounced;
- and by running your hands over their ribs: you should be able to feel them without them being prominent.
Each increase in body condition score above 5/9 (considered the "ideal" weight) is seen as a 10% rise in body fat. For instance, if your dog or cat scores 6/9, this means they have a 10% excess weight and are overweight. Scores of 7, 8, and 9/9 indicate obesity.
While this method does rely heavily on the practitioner’s experience, it remains a reliable approach. Imaging studies have indeed demonstrated that fat tissue deposition during weight gain occurs primarily in subcutaneous areas, predominantly in the thoracic and lumbar regions.
Sources:
- The Growing Problem of Obesity in Dogs and Cats: This literature review explores various techniques for quantifying adipose tissue in animals, the different causes of obesity, associated diseases, and its management.
- Understanding and Managing Obesity in Dogs and Cats: This literature review examines the risks associated with obesity in dogs and cats, as well as the various causes of this condition. The author also provides veterinarians with key insights for diagnosing and managing it effectively—both from a nutritional standpoint and in terms of owner communication. Finally, the review addresses the prevention of this all-too-common disease.
- Obesity in Dogs and Cats: A Metabolic and Endocrine Disorder: This literature review highlights the role of adipose tissue in normal metabolism, particularly in appetite regulation, energy balance, and the metabolism of glucose and fats.
- Obesity and Associated Comorbidities in Humans and Companion Animals: A "One Health" Perspective: This article reviews the biology, prevalence, and risks of obesity in humans and companion animals, while exploring the links between obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cancer across these species.
- Risk Factors for Obesity in Dogs in France: This study, conducted on over 600 dogs (considered a healthy population), aimed to
- assess the prevalence of overweight dogs in the population presented for vaccination at the École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort (ENVA) over a three-month period;
- investigate risk factors associated with overweight and obesity;
- and evaluate owners’ perception of their dog’s body condition score.
- An Epidemiological Study of Environmental Factors Associated with Canine Obesity: This study, conducted on nearly 700 individuals, aimed to assess the relationships between socioeconomic factors and other environmental influences on canine obesity.
