Obesity is the most common preventable health problem in companion animals, causing pain, shortened lifespan, and reduced quality of life in millions of dogs and cats.
Pet obesity represents a major welfare failure that is largely normalised: owners misperceive overweight animals as healthy, veterinary conversations about weight are uncomfortable, and food is used as a primary way of expressing love. Yet the welfare consequences are severe and measurable — obese pets experience chronic joint pain, reduced exercise tolerance, and shortened healthy lives. The solution requires owner education and veterinary confidence in raising weight concerns at every health check.