Obesity affects a significant proportion of companion dogs and cats, causing pain, reduced lifespan, and chronic disease. This preventable welfare problem requires both veterinary intervention and owner education.
Companion animal obesity is one of the most prevalent yet underaddressed welfare problems in high-income countries. Obese animals experience chronic pain from joint loading, struggle to breathe and thermoregulate, and face significantly shortened lives. Yet owners often interpret their animals weight as evidence of contentment rather than welfare harm. The emotional bond between owners and animals can paradoxically drive overfeeding as a form of expressed affection. Veterinary profession norms that discourage direct conversations about obesity mean many animals never receive guidance that could improve their welfare significantly. Addressing this requires both professional training and public education.