Small Steps to a Healthy Weight: Lessons from Rainey
October 14 is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, a reminder that a pet’s weight is about more than appearance. Extra pounds can put dogs at higher risk for diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease, and can make walks and playtime harder on their bodies. The good news is that small, consistent changes toward a healthier lifestyle add up.
Just ask Rainey.
Meet Rainey
Rainey’s journey has already taken her a long way. The 7-year-old Pit Bull mix was first adopted from the Stockton Animal Shelter, and in July, her owner made the difficult decision to surrender her to East Bay SPCA when he was at risk of losing his home.
At our Oakland Adoption Center, where she was known as Raine, she took every exam in stride. Our Shelter Medicine team treated her for itchy, irritated skin and a mild ear infection, and they noted something else: she was carrying a lot of extra weight. She scored 8 out of 9 on the body condition scale, where 4 or 5 is considered ideal.
Rainey, July 2026
Rainey went home with East Bay SPCA supporter and foster Phyllis, who added a “y” to the end of her name and got right to work on a healthier routine. So far, Rainey has lost about four pounds, and Phyllis is aiming to help her reach 55 pounds.
What’s Working for Rainey (and Could Work for Your Pet)
Start with your veterinarian: Every pet is different, so your vet is the best guide for setting a goal weight and figuring out how many calories your pet needs each day. Rainey’s plan started with our Shelter Medicine team before she went home.
Choose the right food and measure it: Rainey eats a premium weight-loss food, and her meals are portioned rather than free-fed. Measuring every meal, using the food bag guidelines as a starting point, is one of the simplest changes you can make.
Rethink treats: Treat calories add up fast. Rainey gets minimal treats, and her favorite is a healthy one: apple slices. Small pieces of apple (without the core or seeds) or carrots can make great low-calorie rewards. Just skip grapes and raisins, which are toxic to dogs, and be aware of foods that are harmful for pets.
Make movement a habit: Phyllis has built exercise into Rainey’s everyday life. “She goes to the dog park and plays her little heart out five days a week,” Phyllis shared. “After dinner she goes for a nice long walk. On weekends she gets two short walks every day.”
Be patient: “It seems to be going slowly, but we’ll get there!” Phyllis said. Slow is exactly right. Gradual weight loss is safer and easier to sustain than a crash diet, and the results are starting to show. “She is getting a ‘hint’ of a waist.”
Is Your Pet at a Healthy Weight?Ask your veterinarian about your pet’s body condition score. You can also do a quick check at home:
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Life Beyond the Scale
Rainey’s progress isn’t only measured in pounds. She has settled into a home life with a favorite spot on the couch, a love for car rides and a quick mastery of the doggie door. She inspects every grocery bag, greets every visitor at the door and follows Phyllis wherever she goes.
“She is one lovable little bug!”
Thank you, Phyllis, for sharing Rainey’s progress with us. We’ll be cheering her on all the way to her goal!