WEIGHT GAIN IN DOGS/CATS
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Weight gain is usually due to excess calories, poor-quality diets, or decreased activity. But in many pets, it signals hypothyroidism (dogs), Cushing’s disease, fluid retention, or metabolic disease.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD / COMMON
• Overfeeding
• Too many treats
• Reduced exercise
MEDICAL CAUSES
• Hypothyroidism (dogs)
• Cushing’s disease
• Fluid accumulation (heart or liver disease)
• Steroid medications
• Spay/neuter metabolism changes
EMERGENCY CAUSES (HIGH CONCERN)
• Rapid abdominal enlargement
• Labored breathing
• Sudden swelling of the limbs
• Ascites (fluid in abdomen)
RED FLAGS: WHEN THIS IS AN EMERGENCY
• Rapid weight gain
• Heavy panting
• Big belly + thin limbs
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• Switch to measured meals
• Use feeding puzzles
• Increase controlled exercise
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Body condition score
• Thyroid panel
• Cushing’s testing
• X-rays or ultrasound
• Examine heart and liver
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES (BASED ON 40 YEARS OF CASES)
• Simple obesity
• Hypothyroidism
• Cushing’s disease
• Heart or liver disease