Obesity is the most common preventable health condition in companion animals. Prevention requires owner education, veterinary guidance, and environmental management tailored to individual animals.
Companion animal obesity is a welfare crisis that is largely invisible because overweight animals are widely perceived as healthy or even cute. The health consequences — chronic pain from arthritis, reduced mobility, shortened lifespan — are real and significant. Preventing obesity requires honest body condition assessment from veterinarians who are willing to have difficult conversations with owners, combined with owner education about appropriate portion sizes and exercise. Treating obesity once established requires a structured program with veterinary support.