Veterinarians Warn of Creeping Pet Weight Gain

Thrive Pet Healthcare offers tips to help owners manage their pets' nutrition and activity levels.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:31am

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As families refocus on routines early in the year, veterinarians say it's an ideal time to take a closer look at their pets' nutrition and activity levels. In 2022, 59% of dogs and 61% of cats in the U.S. were overweight or obese, increasing the risk of joint disease, breathing problems, diabetes, and reduced quality of life. Veterinarians from Thrive Pet Healthcare address overfeeding, senior pet health, and questions about GLP-1 treatments for pets.

Why it matters

Pet obesity is a growing concern, with the majority of dogs and cats in the U.S. now considered overweight or obese. This can lead to serious health issues and reduced quality of life for pets. Veterinarians emphasize the importance of proactive pet health management through proper nutrition, activity, and regular checkups.

The details

Veterinarians say weight gain often happens gradually over time, and can signal underlying issues like endocrine disorders or decreased mobility. In dogs, even modest weight gain can place additional stress on joints, particularly in medium- and large-breed dogs. Portion distortion, free-feeding, and frequent table scraps are common contributors to canine weight gain. Cats are vulnerable to weight gain due to indoor lifestyles and reduced activity, and veterinarians caution against crash dieting, which can lead to liver disease. As pets age, maintaining a healthy body condition becomes increasingly important, as extra weight can worsen arthritis and reduce stamina and daily comfort.

  • In 2022, 59% of dogs and 61% of cats in the U.S. were overweight or obese.

The players

Thrive Pet Healthcare

A leading veterinary service community that delivers a continuum of care to pet families and services to veterinary hospitals.

Dr. Jodi Kuntz

The national director of interventional radiology and endoscopy for Thrive Pet Healthcare and an internal medicine specialist at ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals in Los Angeles.

Dr. Christine Jurek

The medical director at TOPS Veterinary Rehabilitation in Grayslake, Illinois.

Dr. Kasey Mabry

An internal medicine specialist at South Carolina Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care in Columbia, South Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“Pet owners often think weight gain happens overnight, but it usually creeps up over time. Most importantly, weight gain can signal an underlying issue like an endocrine disorder or decreased mobility that warrants further investigation.”

— Dr. Jodi Kuntz, national director of interventional radiology and endoscopy for Thrive Pet Healthcare and an internal medicine specialist at ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals in Los Angeles

“When dogs carry extra weight, their joints feel it every day. So, weight management can be one of the most effective treatments available.”

— Dr. Christine Jurek, medical director at TOPS Veterinary Rehabilitation in Grayslake, Illinois

“Cats are very good at hiding discomfort. By the time a cat's family notices weight gain, important health changes may already be happening beneath the surface. Achieving and maintaining adequate body weight can reduce-and potentially reverse many of these changes.”

— Dr. Kasey Mabry, internal medicine specialist at South Carolina Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care in Columbia, South Carolina

What’s next

Thrive Pet Healthcare encourages pet owners to start with simple habits that are easy to stick with, such as measuring meals, limiting treats, adding daily walks or play sessions, keeping feeding and activity routines consistent, and scheduling regular veterinary checkups.

The takeaway

Proactive pet health management through proper nutrition, activity, and regular veterinary checkups is crucial to prevent and address the growing issue of pet obesity, which can lead to serious health problems and reduced quality of life for pets.