When your pet slows down, gains weight, or seems “off,” it’s easy to assume it’s age or personality. But sometimes, those small shifts are their body’s way of whispering that something deeper is out of balance. That “something” is often metabolic health:  the system that powers every cell, organ, and process in the body. Just like in people, your pet’s metabolism is the quiet “engine” that powers energy, vitality, and overall health. When it’s out of tune, small problems can snowball into bigger ones affecting weight, energy, organ function, behavior, and even lifespan [Zoran, 2010]. 

The tricky part? Metabolic imbalance often hides in plain sight, showing up as subtle changes that many pet parents dismiss as normal behavior shifts. Spotting these early warning signs can help prevent bigger problems down the road.

If you haven’t yet explored what metabolic health really means for pets, start with our earlier blog which is the foundation for understanding how these early signs connect to your pet’s energy, resilience, and lifespan:

⇨  What Is Metabolic Health in Pets — and Why It Matters.

To bring these ideas to life, watch our CEO & Co-Founder, Dr. Loren Nations present these signs of metabolic imbalance in a webinar with the Metabolic Terrain Institute for Health team for the 2025 Metabolic Health Conference Day here: 

⇨ Live Webinar from September 29, 2025: 5 Signs of Metabolic Imbalance in Pets 

Why Metabolic Balance Matters:

Small Signs. Big Consequences.

Modern pet health mirrors modern human health:

• Over 50% of dogs and cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese, driving inflammation, insulin resistance, and chronic disease.

• Diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, and cancer are rising sharply in companion animals even as treatments improve.

• Ultra-processed foods now make up over 80% of calories in the average pet diet, disrupting the microbiome and overloading metabolic pathways.

The same factors harming us:  excess carbs, chronic stress, lack of movement, and disrupted sleep, are harming them too.

Metabolic dysfunction doesn’t happen overnight. It starts quietly and the earliest signs are often mistaken for “normal aging.”

Left unchecked, these imbalances can lead to:

• Diabetes
• Arthritis & mobility decline
• Heart & kidney disease
• Cancer — the ultimate downstream cost of chronic inflammation

But when you act early, you protect healthspan, not just lifespan.

Here are five subtle signs to watch for and what you can do to help restore balance:

Low Energy or Exercise Intolerance: 

When Slowing Down Isn’t Just “Getting Older” 

If your once-active dog prefers the couch over playtime, or your cat sleeps more than usual, it could be more than laziness or old age. Research shows that metabolic dysfunction can impair energy production and create inflammation, leaving pets feeling sluggish and less active for daily life [Zoran, 2010][Tvarijonaviciute et al., 2012][Masood, 2023]. 

⇨ Neoterric Insight: Fatigue is the body’s SOS. Supporting cellular energy restores vitality & resilience from the mitochondria up. 

Weight Changes or Obesity: 

Drastic Weight Fluctuations Are Not Normal

Unexplained shifts in weight, whether gradual gain or unexpected loss , are among the clearest signs of a disrupted metabolism. Pets with metabolic imbalance may struggle to regulate how they burn or store energy, leading to changes that don’t match their diet or activity level. Nearly 60% of dogs and cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese, with metabolic complications similar to those seen in humans [Tvarijonaviciute et al., 2012]. Obesity drives inflammation and accelerates aging which can shorten lifespan in dogs by up to 2.5 years. Weight changes often come before diagnosis of chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis. 

⇨ Neoterric Insight: Sustainable health isn’t about restriction. It’s about restoring how the body burns and stores energy. 

Frequent Urination and Excess Thirst (PU/PD): 

When Drinking More Isn’t Just “Staying Hydrated” 

If your pet is drinking more water than usual or needing to urinate more frequently, it’s worth paying attention. Increased thirst and urination are hallmark signs of metabolic or endocrine imbalance, including insulin resistance, diabetes, and thyroid-related conditions [Peterson et al., 2015][Zoran, 2010]. Because these shifts can develop gradually, they sometimes get overlooked until they become disruptive (ie. episodes inside the house) but catching them early is key. 

⇨ Neoterric Insight:Your pet’s thirst is a conversation. When it suddenly changes, their body is asking for attention, not just more water, but deeper metabolic support.

Skin, Coat, Healing Issues, Or Digestive Issues

When Skin & Gut Tell a Deeper Story 

A shiny coat and healthy skin rely on proper nutrient absorption, balanced metabolism, and proper immune function. When that system falters, pets may develop a dull coat, irritated skin, or slow-healing wounds. Studies show that dogs with metabolic dysfunction have protein changes tied to inflammation and repair, making it harder for their bodies to recover [Tvarijonaviciute et al., 2016][Masood, 2023]. Additionally, the gut microbiome (the community of trillions of bacteria living inside your pet) plays a vital role in energy regulation and immunity. When this community becomes imbalanced (dysbiosis), it fuels chronic inflammation, “leaky gut,” and metabolic disruption. Check back for an entire blog post on gut microbiome! Left unchecked, these signs can progress into chronic conditions and reduce a pet’s resilience. 

⇨ Neoterric Insight: A balanced microbiome supports metabolism, skin, and immune health. Chronic GI signs such as constipation, diarrhea, or bloating, often mean the microbiome needs support.

Behavioral Changes You Can’t Explain

Mood & Appetite Reflect Metabolism Too 

Surprisingly, your pet’s mood and behavior can reflect metabolic health. Metabolic health doesn’t stop at the body, it also impacts the brain. Shifts in hormones and energy regulation can contribute to anxiety, irritability, food obsession, sudden changes in appetite, restlessness or other sudden changes in mood and behavior [Zoran, 2010].

⇨ Neoterric Insight: Metabolic health influences neurotransmitters and stress hormones. Supporting it helps restore calm energy, balanced appetite, and emotional well-being.

5 Things You Can Do Right Now

If you’ve noticed one or more of these signs in your pet, don’t panic, but don’t ignore them either. You don’t need to overhaul your pet’s entire life to make a difference. Start small, stay consistent, and let biology do the rest. Small daily changes in nutrition, activity, and stress reduction can help restore balance【Canine Obesity, 2025].  Here are a few steps you can take today:

1. Track daily patterns —> note changes in energy, thirst, weight, or behavior.

          a. To make this easier, we created the Neoterric Pet Wellness Tracker, a fillable PDF you can print or complete right on                     your computer.

          b. It’s designed for weekly use, helping you monitor trends in your pet’s wellness over time:  from energy and appetite to                 digestion and mood.

          c. With each refillable week Weekly Refill, you’ll see the small shifts that matter most, which will empower you to catch                    changes early and discuss them confidently with your veterinarian.

      2. Feed smarter —> Choose higher-protein, lower-carbohydrate, human-grade foods made from fresh, minimally                              processed ingredients.

      3. Keep them moving —> Even daily play for dogs and cats improves insulin sensitivity and mood.

      4. Support the gut —> Probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber-rich foods like pumpkin and leafy greens help balance digestion and            metabolism.

      5. Choose targeted supplementation —> look for vet-formulated, NASC-certified products that support metabolic health,             mitochondrial function, and inflammation balance.

Key Takeaways

• Metabolic imbalance often hides behind everyday symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, and skin issues.
• Because metabolism powers immunity, resilience, and even behavior, imbalance affects the whole pet.
• The earlier you notice and act, the better the outcome for your pet’s healthspan which is their ability to thrive, not just survive

⇨ Neoterric Insight: Metabolic imbalance is the root cause of many modern pet diseases, but it’s also one of the most reversible. By tuning into early signs and supporting the systems that drive energy and balance, we can help our pets thrive for years to come. Because when we protect metabolism, we protect the whole pet.

Bibliography

Loftus, J., & Wakshlag, J. J. (2014). Canine and feline obesity: a review of pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical management. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 6, 49–60.

Masood, W. (2023). The general and systemic consequences of obesity in cats and dogs. Veterinary Integrative Sciences, 22(1), 265–290. https://doi.org/10.12982/VIS.2024.020

Tvarijonaviciute, A., Cerón, J. J., Holden, S. L., Cuthbertson, D. J., Biourge, V., Morris, P. J., & German, A. J. (2012). Obesity-related metabolic dysfunction in dogs: a comparison with human metabolic syndrome. BMC Veterinary Research, 8, 147.

Tvarijonaviciute, A., Cerón, J. J., Holden, S. L., Cuthbertson, D. J., Biourge, V., Morris, P. J., German, A. J., et al. (2016). Obese dogs with and without obesity-related metabolic dysfunction: a proteomic approach. BMC Veterinary Research, 12, 211.

Zoran, D. L. (2010). Obesity in dogs and cats: a metabolic and endocrine disorder. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 40(2), 221–239.

Canine obesity: Contributing factors and body condition evaluation. (2025). Pets, 2(2), 22. https://doi.org/10.3390/pets2020022

With You, For Them.

Your Team at Neoterric

Disclaimer :

For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment.