Obesity is one of the most prevalent and preventable conditions in companion dogs. It causes significant suffering and reduces lifespan, yet is often normalised by owners who do not recognise it as a welfare problem.
Canine obesity is a welfare issue, not merely a cosmetic one. Obese dogs experience chronic physical discomfort from joint strain, reduced exercise tolerance, and difficulty breathing — all limiting their engagement with natural behaviours. The problem is overwhelmingly owner-created through overfeeding and insufficient exercise, often motivated by affection. Welfare-focused veterinary communication and public education must reframe food restriction as an act of care, not deprivation, to overcome the normalisation of overweight dogs.