10/14/2026
Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day. 🐾 Is your pet at a healthy weight? It can be surprisingly hard to tell. Over 50% of dogs and cats in the United States are currently classified as overweight or obese, often without their owners realizing it. Extra weight places significant strain on a pet’s joints, heart, and metabolic health.
You can perform an assessment at home using these three steps:
1️⃣ The Rib Check: Run your hands flat across your pet’s ribcage. You should easily feel the individual ribs under a thin layer of fat—similar to how the knuckles on the back of your hand feel. If you have to press firmly to find them, your pet may be carrying extra weight.
2️⃣ The Overhead View: Look down at your pet from above while they are standing. A healthy pet should have a visible, tucked-in waistline behind the ribs, creating an hourglass shape.
3️⃣ The Side Profile: Crouch down to eye level from the side. Their abdomen should slope upward from the chest toward the back legs, rather than hanging straight or bulging downward.
Small adjustments to daily kibble measurements, limiting table scraps, and adding structured movement can make a profound difference in their comfort, energy levels, and overall lifespan.
If you are concerned about your pet's shape or changing their routine, we always recommend consulting your veterinarian. 🩺
