23 January 2026: As the new year gets well underway, many of us are looking to settle into healthier habits – and that includes our pets. Vets report that 30-50% of dogs are overweight or obese1, and online searches for “best dog weight” are up 20% compared to the same period in 2024, while interest in “dog weight loss” and “dog diet” has risen 17%.2
Pet weight loss searches are rising – here’s what experts want owners to know about exercise
23 January 2026: As the new year gets well underway, many of us are looking to settle into healthier habits – and that includes our pets. Vets report that 30-50% of dogs are overweight or obese1, and online searches for “best dog weight” are up 20% compared to the same period in 2024, while interest in “dog weight loss” and “dog diet” has risen 17%.2
After a Christmas of extremes – from overindulgence to skipped walks – it seems many of us are refocusing on exercise, balanced meals, and quality time with our dogs.
But it’s not just man’s best friend that needs extra consideration. It appears that cat owners are becoming more aware of their pets’ needs, with online searches for “overweight cats” up 58% and interest in “cat diet” up 61% on this time last year.2 It’s a timely reminder to keep an eye on their food, weight and daily play, which all play a key role in long-term health.
To guide pet owners back on track with diet and exercise, particularly for those with overweight pets, Lars Mortensen, Head Veterinarian for the Agria Pet Insurance app, advises:
“I’m glad that pet owners want to know more about weight loss and their pets’ ideal weight. Excess weight is now a very common issue for pets, with over 60% of dogs and more than 30% of cats suffering from obesity. This has many negative effects on their health and quality of life, ranging from reduced mobility and increased arthritis risk to a shorter life span.
“If you think your pet is overweight, you are definitely not alone. The good news is that recognising the problem is the first and most important step toward helping our much-loved friends, and there is lots of help at hand for you and your pet.
“The best way to assess your pet’s condition is using a body condition score chart, which can be found online. These charts offer a general idea, but due to breed variations, an assessment by a professional, such as a nutritionist, vet or veterinary nurse is ideal.
“If your pet is only slightly overweight, reducing treats and/or increasing exercise may be enough. Make sure everyone at home is aware of the plan and check again after 3-4 weeks to see if further adjustments or a vet visit is needed. I recommend consulting your vet or a pet nutritionist before making any big reductions to your pet’s basic diet, as this can potentially cause nutritional deficits. Alternatively, some of the bigger pet food manufacturers also have nutritionists that are ready to provide dietary advice over the phone. If your pet is very overweight, your vet can help you achieve the best results through tailored weight loss diets.
“Overweight or not, many pets benefit from not having extra treats after the festive season. We should instead be generous in other ways, using activity toys, puzzle feeders, and providing regular, controlled exercise. Remember to avoid suddenly increasing activity for overweight or older pets, as their joints and ligaments are more vulnerable. Small, steady steps are the safest way to start the year healthy together.”
Hannah Molloy, Agria’s Animal Behaviourist shares her tips to keep dogs’ weight in check while giving them the exercise and stimulation they need this year:
Hannah’s top tips for happy, healthy dogs in 2026:
Despite the cold January weather, it’s important to get outside with your dog. Whether big, small, or somewhere in between, dogs need between 45 and 90 minutes of physical and mental stimulation each day as a bare minimum. So, despite the winter chill, wrap up warm and head out for a much-needed walk. If pavements are icy and you’re not sure it’s safe for you, try calling a friend, neighbour or dog walker to walk your dog for you.
If you decide to exercise with your dog as part of your own fitness routine, be careful not to overdo it, particularly if your dog is not used to the exercise or is overweight. For example, if you decide to do a 5k walk after a couple of days on the couch, be sure to go easy on your dog the next day. A gentle sniff walk around the block will still be satisfying at their pace and speed, especially for sore paws.
Keeping your dog mentally busy can be just as important as physical exercise, especially when you’re trying to stay in control of their routine. A dog trick book is a fun place to start – use some of their usual food to teach a simple trick each day, helping them problem-solve and unwind. Puzzle feeder toys are also brilliant for slowing down mealtimes and keeping their brains active. And when the weather is a bit too wild for a walk, don’t underestimate simple indoor play – a pile of cardboard boxes or wrapping paper can quickly become an exciting game.
Every dog is different, and their age makes a big difference to what they need. New puppies can be especially demanding. The first two months (around eight to 16 weeks) are vital for training and socialisation, even when life feels busy. Older or overweight dogs need extra care too. Avoid suddenly ramping up exercise, as they often tire more quickly and may have stiff or arthritic joints, which puts them at higher risk of injury.
A gentle, manageable exercise routine with your dog is more likely to become a healthy long-term habit. With spring and summer ahead, it’s worth gradually building up walk length now, so you and your dog can comfortably enjoy longer walks when the weather warms up.
Regular, steady exercise helps dogs stay healthy and happy, but it’s important to build activity gradually and match it to their age, fitness and individual needs.
All Agria Pet Insurance policies come with 24/7 access to vet video calls through the Agria App for advice about diet and exercise for your pet. To find out more or download the app, visit: https://www.agriapet.co.uk/agria-app/
ENDS
References:
[1] Pet Food UK Obesity Report 2024, www.ukpetfood.org/spotlight-on-obesity/pet-obesity-data-statistics.html
[2] Google Trends search data, December 2025.
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About Agria Pet Insurance
Agria is one of the world’s leading animal insurers, specialising in small animal and equine insurance. Founded in Sweden over 130 years ago, Agria began underwriting policies in the UK in 2009 and is now a prominent part of the UK pet insurance sector.
In the UK, Agria works with over 50,000 vets, breeders and rehoming organisations, providing insurance for cats, dogs, and rabbits. Agria also administers pet insurance schemes for the leading small animal registration bodies, The Royal Kennel Club, and the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).
Agria has been awarded a Which? Best Buy for Dog Insuranceand a Which? Best Buy for Cat Insurance for their Lifetime Premium insurance products, and is named Best Overall Pet Insurance provider by The Telegraph 2024.
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