Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in companion dogs and cats, affecting an estimated 40-60% of pets in developed countries. It causes significant chronic suffering and dramatically reduces lifespan and quality of life.
Pet obesity is a welfare problem hidden in plain sight — overweight animals appear comfortable, are often described as "cuddly," and rarely elicit the immediate concern triggered by underweight animals. Yet chronic obesity causes persistent low-grade discomfort through joint loading, breathing difficulty, and heat intolerance that reduces quality of life measurably. The emotional and social dynamics of pet feeding — using food as affection, sharing human food, responding to begging — make weight management challenging for owners. Veterinary guidance that validates owner concern about pet weight and provides practical, supported weight loss plans is central to addressing this welfare epidemic. Achieving and maintaining healthy body condition extends lifespan and reduces chronic disease burden.