Maintaining a healthy weight¹ is crucial for your pet’s overall well-being and is a key part of preventive care. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), keeping your pet at an ideal weight helps reduce the risk of serious health conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers. It also helps them stay active, allowing them to enjoy more adventures² with you.Additionally, the Purina Institute reports³ that up to 65% of dogs and 63% of cats are diagnosed as overweight or obese by veterinarians. Research shows that overweight or obese pets tend to have shorter lifespans than leaner pets. Obesity is also linked to various health issues, including osteoarthritis and feline diabetes.

• A visible waist (when viewed from above),
• An abdominal tuck (visible in the side profile), and
• Ribs that are easily felt (but not prominently visible).

• Proper nutrition (tailored to their needs)
• Regular exercise (adjusted for their age and ability)
• Understanding the interaction between pets and their owners

1. Determining Caloric Needs for Weight Loss

• Age
• Sex
• Neutering status
• Lifestyle
• Individual metabolism

• The pet's current weight, or
• The target weight (estimated using current weight and BCS)

• Drastically restricting calorie intake increases the risk of nutritional deficiencies
• Overweight pets should have gradual calorie restriction with close monitoring during weight loss
• All calculations are estimates and may require adjustments to achieve desired results

• Dogs: 1-2% of body weight loss per week
• Cats: 0.5% to 1-2% of body weight loss per week

• Preserve lean muscle mass
• Prevent rebound weight gain
• Avoid health risks (especially for cats)

2. Regular Exercise Should Be Encouraged to Boost Energy Expenditure

• Preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss
• Provide environmental enrichment
• Strengthen the bond between pets and owners without involving food

（https://www.purinainstitute.com/sites/default/files/2024-02/Obesity-in-Pets_Nutritiona-and-Behavioral-Strategies-for-Preventing-and-Managing-Excess-Weight_Monograph.pdf）

1. Routine Veterinary Weight Tracking
   1. Pets should be weighed and recorded at every veterinary visit, with trends monitored over time.
2. Home Monitoring Solutions
   1. ) For cats (which are harder to transport frequently to clinics), owners can use:
      • Smart devices (e.g., scales placed under litter boxes)
      • Baby scales
   2. ) This allows identification and timely intervention for emerging weight patterns.