By Katie Fish, DVM
Practical strategies for discussing pet obesity with confidence and compassion.
Few conversations in general practice have the potential to add years to a pet’s life while simultaneously making many veterinary professionals uncomfortable. Talking about obesity is one of those conversations.
Obesity is one of the most common conditions that we see in our patients, affecting an estimated 59% of dogs and 61% of cats. And even though it is a readily treatable condition, correcting it can often be very challenging. While we can’t control what happens once a pet leaves our hospital, we can do things to set pet owners up for success when it comes to weight management.
Mindset matters
It can be easy for our own internal narrative to fall into negative thinking traps surrounding pet obesity. Have you ever had any of these thoughts? (I sure have!):
What if they get offended? I don’t want them to think I’m judging them.
Getting buy-in on weight loss feels overwhelming.
I don’t have time for this conversation today.
Why bother? They’re not going to change anything.
As health care providers, we know that body condition plays a significant role in health, longevity, and even the human-animal bond. We need to have these conversations, and the best way to start them is by being in the right frame of mind before we enter the exam room. Survey data shows that many veterinarians report emotional responses from owners during discussions about pets’ weight. And yet, at the same time, pet owners report little to no discomfort discussing their pet’s weight. Let’s put judgment aside and acknowledge that you have an opportunity to make a positive impact on both the pet and the owner.
This article originally appeared on dvm360.com on September 18, 2026, as part of Thrive Pet Healthcare's Strategic Alliance with dvm360.
About Katie Fish, DVM
Dr. Katie Fish received her undergraduate degree at the University of Buffalo and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. She was a small animal general practitioner for 16 years before transitioning to becoming a full-time mentor for Monroe Veterinary Associates in the Rochester, New York area, which later became a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner. There, she was responsible for onboarding and providing one-on-one medical, surgical, and leadership coaching support to new graduates at 18 hospitals. In 2023, Fish became the Director of Mentorship Programs for Thrive, which includes “Meant to Thrive,” a one-year medical mentorship program that meets doctors where they are, offering a unique, individualized approach that positions each veterinarian for success in the profession they love.
