Companion Animals

Companion Animal Obesity: A Welfare Crisis

Over 50% of pets in developed countries are overweight, causing chronic pain, reduced mobility, and shortened lifespan.

Key Facts

Studies find 50-65% of dogs and cats in the US are overweight or obese
Obesity causes osteoarthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in pets
Owners frequently misjudge body condition, describing obese pets as normal
Veterinary nutritional counseling reduces obesity rates significantly when accessed

Welfare Considerations

Obese pets cannot perform natural behaviors including running, jumping, and play. Chronic joint pain from excess weight causes suffering that may go unrecognized as behavior changes happen gradually. Social feedback that treats food-giving as love creates animals dependent on calorically excessive relationships.

What You Can Do

Learn to use the Body Condition Score to assess your pet independently
Feed measured portions rather than free-feeding, and use the lower end of pack guidelines
Use veterinary body condition assessment at every health check
Treat pets with attention and play rather than food rewards for affection