Approximately 54% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese. Obesity can contribute to or complicate the treatment of many other diseases and conditions in pets including high blood pressure, diabetes, blood lipid disorders, osteoarthritis and intervertebral disk disease, urinary and skin disorders, and certain cancers.  

This four-part educational video series - by veterinary internal medicine and nutrition expert Joseph Bartges, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVN - provides an in-depth look at this serious problem, including how we define obesity, the causes and consequences on a pet's health, current approaches to treatment, and feeding and exercise recommendations.

Part I - Definition of Obesity and Body Condition Scoring

Part II - Causes and Consequences of Obesity

Part III - Treatment Approach to Obesity

Part IV - Feeding and Exercise Tips and Weight Loss Medications