Supporting pets through changes in their body condition can be an emotional journey, and conversations about it are not always easy. Yet a University of Guelph veterinary nutritionist says these discussions matter because they are ultimately about helping pets live longer, happier and more comfortable lives.
Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe, a professor at the Ontario Veterinary College and Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Endowed Chair in Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition, focuses on guiding guardians and their pets towards healthier routines that support lifelong well-being. She emphasizes that when pets carry excess weight, it can place extra strain on their bodies over time, affecting mobility, energy and day-to-day comfort.
“Sometimes what we find cute or harmless in the moment can unintentionally translate into years of avoidable discomfort,” she explains. “When we help animals feel their best, we give them the gift of more good days.”
For Verbrugghe, compassionate communication between caretakers and veterinary teams is essential. These conversations aren’t just about numbers on a scale—they’re about ensuring every animal can move with ease, play comfortably and enjoy a vibrant, active life.
“Supporting a pet’s health is a partnership between caretakers and veterinary teams,” she says. “Talking about changes in body condition can feel uncomfortable. Veterinarians have a responsibility to guide guardians through it with empathy. Clear, supportive communication helps create personalized plans that truly enhance the pet’s quality of life.”
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Helping pets reach a healthier condition can be challenging, especially when routines around food are tied to love, bonding or tradition. Verbrugghe notes that as pets age, changes in their metabolism can make achieving a healthy body condition more difficult, which is why early, gentle support can make such a meaningful difference.
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Many guardians use treats as a way to show affection. Rather than seeing this as a problem, Verbrugghe encourages shifting some of that love towards types of connection that brings just as much joy – sometimes even more.
“Pets often cherish the moments we spend with them,” she says. “Grooming, cuddles, playtime, gentle exercise and simple togetherness can be incredibly rewarding for them. Finding ways to bond that aren’t always centered around food can strengthen the relationship and support long-term health.”
For Verbrugghe, the heart of the message is simple: helping animals thrive is an act of love. With compassion, guidance, and shared commitment, guardians and veterinary teams can work together to ensure animals enjoy the happiest, most comfortable life possible.
A year ago, Verbrugghe launched OVC’s Hill’s Pet Nutrition Weight Care Program, a referral service to support pets and caretakers on their weight loss journey. The service offers nutrition assessment, body composition assessments with or without advanced imaging, customized diet recommendations, weight loss coaching, monitoring and follow-up, combined with physical therapy.
The program can be particularly helpful in supporting pets with complex medical issues, such as those undergoing cancer treatment or managing allergies, but it can also benefit animals with more straightforward challenges—like adjusting daily routines, improving mobility, or maintaining a healthy lifestyle—by offering compassionate coaching, accountability and consistent guidance. The program also provides opportunities to participate in appropriate clinical trials that may further enhance their animal’s long‑term well‑being.
Verbrugghe is available for interviews.
Contact:
Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe
averbrug@uoguelph.ca