Practice Scenario

Meet Molly, an obese, but otherwise healthy, adult, large-breed dog.

Get to know MOLLY

A 6-year-old, spayed female Labrador Retriever

  • Molly presents for routine physical examination and vaccinations.
  • Molly eats “a scoop” of dry adult dog food twice daily. The owners give Molly “a handful” of treats every day and, occasionally, table scraps.
  • Molly has a body condition score of 8/9, weighs 35 kg (77 pounds), and has normal muscle mass.
  • She appears otherwise healthy and is bright and alert on exam.

Nutrition Conversation Tips

Engaging Clients Regarding Pet Obesity

With a sensitive topic like pet obesity, trying to enact change on a client who isn’t ready can easily alienate them or put them on the defensive. This conversation is about finding some common ground, like the shared commitment to the health and well-being of the pet. 

  • Your client has an overweight or obese pet. What’s the best way to discuss?
  • Is your client ready to change?

 

Related Tools and Content:

The Role of Diet in Managing Excess Weight

A tailored nutritional approach can help overweight or obese pets lose weight.

View Brief 1 min to 5 min

The Purina Body Condition System

The Purina Body Condition System is an easy and practical tool for assessing a pet's body composition.​

View Brief 1 min to 5 min

Canine Body Condition System Sheet

A visual aid to the Purina Body Condition Score System for dogs.​

View Tool 1 min to 5 min

Feline Body Condition System Sheet

A visual aid to the Purina Body Condition Score System for cats.​

View Tool 1 min to 5 min

How to Perform a Body Condition Assessment - Cat

Assess a cat's Body Condition Score in just 3 simple steps.​

View Video 1 min to 5 min

How to Perform a Body Condition Assessment - Dog

Assess a dog's Body Condition Score in just 3 simple steps.​

View Video 1 min to 5 min

OBESITY IN PETS: Nutritional and Behavioral Strategies for Preventing and Managing Excess Weight

Preventing and managing excess weight can help dogs and cats lead better, and importantly, longer lives.

View Monograph 20+ minutes

To Share With Pet Owner:

Feeding Pets for Weight Loss

Up to 63% of pet cats and 59.3% of pet dogs are overweight or obese, and this condition is linked with serious health risks. However, many pet owners do not recognize their dog or cat is overweight or how nutrition can help manage healthy weight–and a healthier life—for their pet.

View Hot Topic 6 min to 10 min

Body Condition System Progress Chart Cat

The Progress Chart should be used with the Feline Body Condition System Sheet to help track a pet’s weight loss or gain.

View Tool 1 min to 5 min

Body Condition System Progress Chart Dog

The Progress Chart should be used with the Canine Body Condition System Sheet to help track a pet’s weight loss or gain.

View Tool 1 min to 5 min

Evaluating Your Cat’s Body Condition

Assess your cat's Body Condition in just 3 simple steps.​

View Video 1 min to 5 min

Evaluating Your Dog’s Body Condition

Assess your dog's Body Condition in just 3 simple steps.​

View Video 1 min to 5 min

Benefits of Healthy Weight

Although there are many benefits to maintaining a healthy weight in pets, many owners do not understand what a healthy weight is or the benefits for pets.

View Hot Topic 6 min to 10 min