One of the most common health concerns we see in veterinary medicine today is pet obesity. It has become so widespread that many owners are surprised to learn their beloved pet is actually overweight. The good news is that obesity is something we can improve, and even small changes can make a very big difference to a pet’s health and happiness.

Extra weight does not just change a pet’s appearance. Studies have shown that overweight dogs can have a significantly shorter life expectancy compared with dogs kept at a healthy weight.

Obesity also affects quality of their life. Pets carrying excess weight often tire more easily, struggle with heat, become less playful and may be reluctant to exercise or climb stairs.

Many owners mistake this slowing down for “just getting older,” when in fact the extra weight may be contributing heavily to the problem.

One of the biggest consequences of obesity is osteoarthritis. Joints are placed under constant extra strain when carrying additional weight, particularly the hips, knees and spine. This can lead to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.

Once arthritis develops it can become a vicious cycle — painful joints reduce exercise, reduced exercise leads to further weight gain, and the additional weight worsens the arthritis.

Encouragingly, weight loss alone can dramatically improve comfort levels in arthritic pets and reduce the amount of medication they require.

Veterinarians use something called a Body Condition Score (BCS) to assess whether a pet is underweight, ideal or overweight. This is a simple scoring system based on body shape and fat coverage.

In an ideal body condition, ribs should be easy to feel but not visible, and pets should have a noticeable waist when viewed from above. Have a look at your own pet when you’re with them next and give them a body condition score.

Most pets do not become overweight overnight. Weight gain usually develops gradually through a combination of factors including overfeeding, too many treats, lack of exercise, neutering, ageing and simple lifestyle changes.

It is important to remember that owners feed pets out of love and affection, not neglect. Food is often tied closely to bonding, routine and rewarding good behaviour.

The focus should never be on blame, but instead on finding practical ways to move forward positively.

The key to preventing obesity is managing daily calorific intake. Even a few extra treats a day can add up surprisingly quickly in small animals.

Measuring food portions accurately, limiting treats and avoiding excessive table scraps can make a huge difference.

Many owners are shocked to discover they have been feeding far more calories than their pet actually requires. Switching to lower calorie treats or using part of the daily food ration for rewards can help.

Studies show that it is primarily the food we feed and the amount we feed that is the major driving factor in obesity.

Exercise is also a factor. Regular walks, play sessions, food puzzles and interactive games all help maintain a healthy weight while also improving mental stimulation and strengthening the bond between pets and owners. However, it’s the food that really changes things.

The encouraging thing about obesity is that it is treatable. Gradual weight loss can improve mobility, energy levels and overall wellbeing remarkably quickly.

Speak to your vet about your pet’s diet and weight and follow an evidence-based approach. Regular weight checks will help keep your pet on track to a suitable target weight for them.

A healthier weight does not just add years to a pet’s life — it adds life to those years.

• Lucy Richardson graduated from Edinburgh University in 2005. She started CedarTree Vets in August 2012 with her husband, Mark. They live at the practice with their two children, Ray and Stella, and their dog and two cats. She is also the FEI national head veterinarian for Bermuda