Companion Animal Obesity: A Growing Welfare Crisis

Companion animal obesity is one of the most common preventable welfare conditions in domestic dogs and cats, with serious health consequences that reduce quality and length of life.

Key Facts

Approximately 56% of dogs and 60% of cats in the US are classified as overweight or obese by veterinary practitioners
Obesity in companion animals causes or worsens arthritis, diabetes, cardiac disease, respiratory problems, and reduces life expectancy by up to 2 years in dogs
Human overfeeding of companion animals is the primary cause; many owners do not recognise obesity in their own pets or underestimate its health impact
Body Condition Scoring is a standardised veterinary assessment tool for evaluating companion animal weight that owners can learn to use themselves
Regular veterinary weight assessment, appropriate portion control, and exercise are effective management strategies for companion animal obesity

Welfare Considerations

Companion animal obesity is a welfare problem caused primarily by human behaviour — overfeeding, use of food as affection, and insufficient exercise. The animal cannot control its diet or activity level; the owner makes these choices on its behalf. Animals suffering from obesity-related arthritis, diabetes, or respiratory disease are experiencing real and preventable suffering caused by their caretaker. Welfare responsibility in companion animal keeping includes providing appropriate nutrition and exercise as a fundamental obligation, not an optional extra.

What You Can Do

Learn your companion animal Body Condition Score and have a veterinarian assess their weight at each visit
Follow veterinary portion guidance rather than food packaging recommendations, which often recommend more than needed
Provide regular appropriate exercise for companion animals as a welfare necessity, not merely a bonus
Avoid using food as a primary form of affection — substitute play, attention, and enrichment instead
Educate others about companion animal obesity as a welfare issue that requires active management