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obesity in senior cats and dogs

If your senior pet is slowing down or gaining weight, you're not alone. There's a lot you can do to help. This guide shows you how to tell if your pet is obese and what steps to take to get them to a healthier weight.

Obesity in senior pets is a serious medical issue — not just a cosmetic one. Excess weight increases the risk of joint pain, chronic diseases, and a shortened lifespan. Because older pets struggle more to lose weight, early intervention is critical to protect their long-term health.

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Signs weight is impacting your senior pet

  • Visible weight gain
  • Mobility issues
  • Breathing issues
  • Skin and coat issues
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Causes of excess weight in senior pets

  • Overfeeding
  • Lack of exercise
  • Genetics
  • Medical conditions
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How to help an overweight senior cat or dog

  • Make changes to diet and/or portion control
  • Increase exercise
  • Limit and/or change treat habits
  • Talk to your vet about a weight loss program
  • Talk to your vet about testing for diseases that cause weight gain

Is your senior pet overweight or obese? Here's how to tell and what to do about it

Obesity is incredibly common in pets, and extra weight can greatly affect a senior dog’s or cat’s health. It’s linked to an increased risk of arthritis, chronic joint pain, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, skin problems, and even cancer.

Senior dog weight gain and excess weight on cats may not be evident in the early stages.That’s why it’s important to talk to your vet and have regular wellness exams.

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How to tell if your senior cat or dog is obese

The quickest way to assess your pet is to see if you can feel their ribs and look at them from above to see if they have a waist.

Illustration of a cat and dog with ideal body weights
Ideal weight pets

Ribs easily felt, but not seen, with an obvious waist

Illustration of a cat and dog with overweight body weights
Overweight pets

Ribs not easily seen or felt, with unnoticeable waist

Illustration of a cat and dog with obese body weights
Obese pets

Ribs not felt, with absent waistline that may even bulge out

If your pet has a naturally stocky body and/or has thick fur, it can be tough to notice extra weight. Here are a few other signs that can be an indication of excess weight.

Mobility issues: Excess weight can cause your pet to have problems moving around comfortably, making them appear apprehensive about climbing, playing, etc.

Breathing issues: Excess weight can affect your senior pet’s respiratory system and cause breathing problems like panting or wheezing.

Skin and coat issues: Excess weight can lead to skin fold problems and infections and/or make it difficult for pets to groom themselves, causing fur to look unkempt.

Reasons your dog or cat might have weight to lose

Weight gain in pets can be sneaky and have you wondering how it happened. The most common reasons are overfeeding and lack of exercise, but it can also be caused by genetics and/or certain medical conditions.

It’s important to talk to your vet. They can help you determine the cause, and treatment will differ depending on the pet. A weight loss plan for a 10-year-old lab will differ from a 15-year-old cat.

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Ways to help your obese senior pet

Helping your pet reach their ideal weight can improve their overall health and quality of life. Here are some ways to help your pet shed some weight.

Illustration of pet food

Make changes to their diet and/or portion control: Senior pets don’t necessarily need senior food — however, if they’re having trouble losing weight, your vet might recommend a change. It’s also important to be aware of portion control and not letting your senior have access to as much food as they want.
Illustration of a dog leash and a dog toy

Increase their exercise: Staying active is important for senior cats and dogs. Along with maintaining a healthy weight, it can help with muscle tone, joint health, and mental stimulation. Try gradually increasing your pet’s play sessions and/or walk lengths.
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Limit and/or change their treat habits: Treats can add up! Try limiting the amount you give your furry pal. If that seems too difficult, see if you can replace the current treats with a lower calorie option.
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Talk to your vet about a weight loss program: While all the above ideas can help older dogs or cats lose weight, the best option is speaking with your vet about a weight loss program. This will likely incorporate both food and exercise and be tailored to your pet’s unique needs.
Medically reviewed by Ari Zabell, DVM and Heidi Cooley, DVM.
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Custom care that grows with your pet

You can save more than 30% by bundling your pet’s preventive care with an Optimum Wellness Plan. On top of comprehensive exams, vaccinations, and diagnostic testing, these convenient packages also include unlimited office visits, 24/7 Pet Chat™, discounts on most Banfield products, and more.

Our NEW Senior Care Optimum Wellness Plan includes our most in-depth diagnostic testing yet. This helps us detect changes in organ function and overall physical health, so that we can begin any recommended treatment as soon as possible. 

Learn more about our packages

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Senior Care

Designed to help detect early signs of age-related illness.

This plan combines essential services like vaccinations and exams with in-depth diagnostic testing.

See what’s included in Senior Care

Senior Care Plus

Designed to help detect early signs of age-related illness and support additional dental needs.

This plan includes all the services in our Senior Care plan plus a dental cleaning.

See what’s included in Senior Care Plus
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An Optimum Wellness Plan gets you access to 24/7 Pet Chat™, where you can text with a veterinary professional to get the pet health advice you need.
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