Canine obesity affects an estimated 40-60% of companion dogs in Western countries, causing chronic pain, reduced lifespan, and diminished quality of life. Owner education and veterinary guidance are the primary interventions.
Canine obesity is a welfare issue driven primarily by owner behavior and often reinforced by the emotional associations between food and love. Dogs do not self-regulate caloric intake in domestic environments the way they would in the wild, and the foods and portion sizes typical of modern dog keeping create excess. The welfare consequence is a chronic, painful condition that reduces a dog's ability to move, play, and engage — the very activities that constitute quality of life. Veterinarians are often hesitant to discuss obesity directly with owners for fear of offense. Clear body condition scoring at every vet visit, combined with evidence-based feeding guidance, prevents most cases.