Excess weight in cats and dogs: how to help your pet without stress

Consulting veterinarian · September 27, 2026

A veterinarian weighing a dog — monitoring a pet's weight

Excess weight is one of the most common problems in pets. Here's how to spot it in time and correct it without abrupt restrictions.

An extra 1-2 kilograms on a small dog or cat is, proportionally, much more than an owner might think. Excess weight raises the load on joints and the heart and lowers a pet's overall activity.

How to assess your pet's weight at home

The ribs should be felt with light pressure but not be visible to the eye.
Viewed from above, the pet should have a visible waist behind the ribs.
The belly shouldn't sag when viewed from the side.

How to safely adjust the diet

Weight loss in animals should be gradual — abrupt fasting, especially in cats, can lead to serious liver complications. It's best to discuss a plan with a veterinarian, who can help calculate the right calorie level and choose food.

Activity as part of the solution

Extra play sessions, longer walks, and food puzzles help increase energy expenditure without stressing the pet. Start gradually, especially if the animal has been inactive for a long time.

Owners of older and less active pets often ask us about AcuLife — the version of LifeWave's technology for animals. More in "AcuLife: what pet owners should know".

Questions and answers

How can you tell if a pet is overweight?

Normally the ribs should be felt under a thin layer of fat without pressing hard, and a waist should be visible from above. A vet can assess this more precisely using a body-condition scale.

Can you sharply cut a pet's food portion to help it lose weight?

No, abrupt food restriction is risky, especially for cats. Weight loss should be gradual and supervised by a veterinarian.

What matters more for a pet's weight loss — diet or activity?

Both work together: reducing the diet's calorie content and gradually increasing activity give a more stable result.