Your vet bill is telling you something

Veterinarians across the United States say they are seeing more overweight and obese pets — and treating those same pets is getting more expensive, fast. Clinics report that as many as three out of four dogs and cats they examine are heavier than they should be, and about one in five is clinically obese, meaning 30 percent or more above ideal weight. Extra weight raises the risk of joint damage, diabetes-style metabolic issues, heart strain, and shorter lifespans. Owners tend to notice the cost first. Pet care spending has nearly doubled in five years as visits increasingly involve lab work, imaging, and long-term meds rather than just vaccines and checkups. Vets say some of that cost is good news — pets are living longer and getting more advanced care — but some of it is simply the price of treating preventable problems linked to diet and inactivity.

There is also a human mirror here. A growing share of pet owners treat animals like close family, feeding constant snacks, “people food,” and comfort treats. That emotional bond can slide into health trouble, especially for indoor pets that do not burn many calories. Veterinary associations are using October, which many clinics mark as Pet Obesity Awareness Month, to push owners to measure food, log weight, and schedule regular movement. The newer message is blunt: keeping your pet at a healthy weight is not just kindness, it’s also the only realistic way to keep vet bills under control.

The business of guilt

Rising obesity has spawned its own economy. Pet food companies are selling prescription-style “metabolic” formulas, smart feeders, calorie-tracking apps, even fitness wearables for dogs. Insurers are also in the loop. More pet-health policies now include weight management and nutrition coaching because preventable chronic illness is expensive to reimburse. This is turning companion-animal health into something that looks a lot like human healthcare: recurring prescriptions, specialist referrals, and ongoing monitoring instead of one-off fixes.

Vets warn that owners should be skeptical of miracle fixes. Swapping in a “diet” kibble but still overfeeding will not solve anything. Neither will boutique supplements without exercise. The baseline advice remains boring and old-fashioned: portion control, fewer treats, short daily walks, and play. The difference in 2025 is that this advice now comes with a financial warning. If you ignore it, you will feel it in cash, not just in guilt.