Practical tips for preventing and managing obesity in dogs and cats

At the 2026 Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ed Carlson, CVT, VTS (Nutrition), presented a pragmatic, clinic-centered approach to preventing and managing obesity in dogs and cats. In his session, “Fighting the Fat: Practical Strategies for Canine and Feline Weight Management­,” he explained why prevention must be the clinical standard of care, and why the veterinary team should adopt repeatable systems that identify at-risk patients early, quantify nutritional intake precisely, and support behavior change with structured follow-up. The recommendations that follow condense the most actionable elements of the lecture into a format suited to immediate implementation.

Always assess body and muscle composition

Carlson recommended using both a body condition score (BCS) and a muscle condition score (MCS) at every visit. Photographic documentation, especially a top-down image that demonstrates the waist, makes the concept of ideal weight tangible for owners and provides an objective baseline for serial comparisons. Technicians can reliably perform these assessments and should be trained to record scores and photos in the medical record at every appropriate visit, he said.

Take a thorough history…

A thorough nutrition history is the next critical element. Carlson recommended opening with a broad invitation such as, “Tell me everything you do for [pet name] from when you get up until bedtime.” This single question often yields more useful information than a long list of focused queries. Listen without interrupting, make brief notes, and then probe about the practical details that drive caloric intake, such as who feeds, exact portion sizes, bowl dimensions, treats and frequency, medications hidden in food, and supplements. Use reflective listening to maintain trust and avoid shutting owners down, particularly when discussing sensitive topics such as overfeeding.

…and act on it

Translate history into a quantified plan. The resting energy requirement (RER), calculated as 70 multiplied by body weight (kg) raised to the 0.75 power, is the recommended starting point. Carlson emphasized using tools and shortcuts to avoid on-the-spot arithmetic. Laminated charts, electronic medical record templates, and web calculators can standardize this step for all staff. For weight loss, aim conservatively at 75% to 80% of maintenance calories while individualizing for concurrent disease and patient activity. Document the target calories, the exact product and formulation recommended, and the schedule for reassessment.

Transitioning diets and changing feeding practices demand careful scripting. Carlson recommended providing a written transition schedule and asking owners to report back if the pet shows reduced intake, vomiting, or diarrhea. For cats, allow a slower transition and consider offering both foods in separate bowls to reduce stress. Address the “food equals affection” dynamic by proposing low-calorie substitutions, enrichment activities that simulate foraging, and food puzzles that slow intake and increase activity.

Don’t forget the follow-up

Sustained success depends on structured follow-up and realistic goal-setting. Carlson advocates technician-led monthly rechecks that capture weight, BCS, MCS, and a repeat photograph. Offer weight-loss support formats that fit practice capacity, whether scheduled paid rechecks, small group classes, or moderated social media groups. Celebrate incremental progress and troubleshoot barriers by asking which change on the plan feels most feasible for the owner to implement.

Summarizing Carlson’s lecture: Implementing standardized BCS/MCS documentation, adopting a reliable method for RER calculation, distributing a nutrition history form, and creating an explicit follow-up cadence may improve outcomes. His presentation reinforces that obesity management is a team process and that modest, consistent systems changes yield measurable clinical benefit.

Reference

Carlson E. Fighting the fat: practical strategies for canine & feline weight management. Presented at: WVC 2026; February 15-18, 2026; Las Vegas, NV.