Obesity is the most common preventable welfare problem in companion animals. Understanding causes and solutions helps owners improve their animals quality and length of life.
Obesity in companion animals causes chronic suffering through joint pain, reduced exercise tolerance, skin problems, and increased risk of diabetes and cancer. Overweight dogs show reduced willingness to engage in play and exercise. The welfare harm of obesity is gradual and cumulative — making it easier to overlook than acute illness. Owner overfeeding is often motivated by affection and reinforced by pet food portion guidance that errs toward overfeeding. Caloric restriction combined with exercise represents an effective welfare intervention for most obese pets.