Canine obesity affects over half of pet dogs in some countries and causes chronic health problems. Appropriate nutrition and weight management are fundamental to companion dog welfare across their lifespan.
Canine obesity is a preventable welfare problem of significant scale. Obese dogs experience chronic musculoskeletal pain from excess joint loading, reduced cardiovascular and respiratory capacity, heat intolerance, and reduced ability to engage in exercise and play. Quality of life studies consistently show that overweight dogs have lower welfare scores than lean counterparts, and that weight loss produces measurable welfare improvements. The emotional dimension of feeding makes weight management psychologically difficult for owners, who often equate food with love. Veterinary guidance on appropriate body condition, caloric needs adjusted for life stage and neuter status, and the appropriate role of treats is essential but inconsistently provided. Regular body condition scoring at veterinary visits catches gradual weight gain before it becomes serious.