Companion Animals

Pet Obesity: A Growing Welfare Crisis

Over 50% of dogs and cats in developed countries are overweight or obese; this causes chronic pain, reduced mobility, and shortened lifespan.

Key Facts

Over 55% of US dogs and 59% of cats are classified overweight or obese
Obesity causes arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory problems in pets
Many owners perceive overweight pets as normal weight due to widespread prevalence
Weight loss of 6-8% significantly improves mobility in arthritic dogs

Welfare Considerations

Obese pets experience chronic pain from joint compression, difficulty breathing, metabolic disease, and reduced quality and length of life. Many pet owners struggle to recognize obesity in their animals and continue overfeeding despite welfare harm. Veterinary guidance on body condition scoring and appropriate portion feeding dramatically improves welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Learn to assess your pet body condition using the Body Condition Score
Follow veterinary guidance on appropriate portion sizes
Use puzzle feeders to provide mental stimulation alongside meals
Seek veterinary advice if your pet needs to lose weight