AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As households refocus on routines early within the yr, veterinarians say it’s a perfect time to take a better take a look at their pets’ vitamin and exercise ranges.
In 2022, 59% of canine and 61% of cats within the U.S. had been obese or overweight, based on data from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, rising the chance of joint illness, respiratory issues, diabetes, and decreased high quality of life.
“Pet homeowners typically assume weight acquire occurs in a single day, but it surely normally creeps up over time,” mentioned Dr. Jodi Kuntz, nationwide director of interventional radiology and endoscopy for Thrive Pet Healthcare and an inside medication specialist at ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals in Los Angeles. “Most significantly, weight acquire can sign an underlying concern like an endocrine dysfunction or decreased mobility that warrants additional investigation.”
Canines: When Additional Kilos Have an effect on Mobility
In canine, even modest weight acquire can place further stress on joints, notably in medium- and large-breed canine.
“When canine carry additional weight, their joints really feel it every single day,” mentioned Dr. Christine Jurek, medical director at TOPS Veterinary Rehabilitation in Grayslake, Illinois. “So, weight administration could be some of the efficient therapies accessible.”
Veterinarians say portion distortion is a standard contributor to canine weight acquire. Unmeasured scoops, free-feeding, and frequent desk scraps can quietly add a whole lot of energy every day.
Watch Dr. Christine Jurek’s recommendation on the measured scoops
“We fully perceive that meals is how individuals present love,” Dr. Jurek mentioned. “However additional snacks add up rapidly, particularly for smaller canine.”
Cats: Small Adjustments, Huge Medical Impression
Cats are notably susceptible to weight acquire on account of indoor life and decreased exercise.
“Cats are superb at hiding discomfort,” mentioned Dr. Kasey Mabry, an inside medication specialist at South Carolina Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care in Columbia, South Carolina. “By the point a cat’s household notices weight acquire, essential well being modifications could already be taking place beneath the floor. Reaching and sustaining ample physique weight can reduce-and probably reverse many of those modifications.”
Veterinarians warning in opposition to crash weight-reduction plan in cats, which may result in critical liver illness if weight reduction occurs too quickly. Any feeding or vitamin modifications require cautious planning and must be guided by a veterinarian.
Senior Pets: Weight and Consolation Are Intently Linked
As pets age, sustaining a wholesome physique situation turns into more and more essential. Senior canine and cats expertise metabolic modifications, muscle loss, and decreased exercise that may make weight administration extra advanced.
“Additional weight in senior pets can worsen arthritis, cut back stamina and have an effect on each day consolation,” Dr. Jurek mentioned. “What seems like regular ageing is commonly one thing we are able to enhance.”
As canine enter their senior years, usually between six and eight years, relying on breed, and cats attain about eleven years, veterinarians advocate wellness exams a minimum of twice a yr to identify early indicators of well being points.
“These visits give us an opportunity to catch small modifications earlier than they begin affecting consolation or high quality of life,” Dr. Jurek mentioned.
Questions About GLP-1 Remedies [Ozempic and Wegovy] for Pets
With elevated consideration on GLP-1 weight-loss medicines for people, veterinarians say some pet homeowners ask whether or not related choices exist for his or her pets.
“Right now, there aren’t any FDA-approved GLP-1 weight-loss medication for pets,” Dr. Kuntz mentioned. “Additionally, human medicines could be extraordinarily harmful to animals and will by no means be given to them.”
Easy Habits That Assist
Thrive Pet Healthcare veterinarians encourage pet homeowners to begin with habits which are straightforward to stay with:
- Measure meals and keep away from free feeding
- Restrict treats or use a part of common meals for coaching
- Add brief each day walks or play classes
- Preserve feeding and exercise routines constant
- Schedule common veterinary checkups
To assist preventive care, Thrive Pet Healthcare presents the Thrive Plus™ membership program at 185 main care hospitals nationwide. This system consists of limitless free exams, $5 fundamental nail trims and reductions on providers akin to bloodwork, dental care and spay/neuter procedures.*
Go to Thrive Pet to find a Thrive Pet Healthcare hospital close to you, together with main, specialty, pressing and emergency veterinary providers.
* Twelve-month dedication required. Phrases apply.
** Clinic charges could apply. See full phrases for particulars and excluded providers.
About Thrive Pet Healthcare
Thrive Pet Healthcare is a number one veterinary service neighborhood that uniquely delivers a continuum of care to pet households and providers to veterinary hospitals. With an industry-first membership program and over 360 acute, main, and specialty suppliers, Thrive Pet Healthcare presents customized, accessible care via each stage of a pet’s life and well being. The veterinarian-founded group offers premier advantages for follow employees whereas elevating privately held veterinary hospitals with modern service and expertise options. By specializing in the wants and aspirations of veterinary care suppliers, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the {industry} and elevating the nationwide bar for veterinary excellence.
SOURCE: Thrive Pet Healthcare
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Final Up to date on February 1, 2026 by Digital Manager: Melody McKinnon
