Practice Scenario
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, Excess Body Weight
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.
The Purina Body Condition System
The Purina Body Condition System is an easy and practical tool for assessing a pet's body composition.
Canine Body Condition System Sheet
A visual aid to the Purina Body Condition Score System for dogs.
Feline Body Condition System Sheet
A visual aid to the Purina Body Condition Score System for cats.
How to Perform a Body Condition Assessment - Cat
Assess a cat's Body Condition Score in just 3 simple steps.
How to Perform a Body Condition Assessment - Dog
Assess a dog's Body Condition Score in just 3 simple steps.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Evaluating Your Cat’s Body Condition
Assess your cat's Body Condition in just 3 simple steps.
Evaluating Your Dog’s Body Condition
Assess your dog's Body Condition in just 3 simple steps.
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.