Obesity affects over half of pet dogs in many countries, causing joint pain, reduced lifespan, and lowered quality of life. It is almost entirely preventable through appropriate feeding and exercise management.
Canine obesity is one of the most prevalent and simultaneously most preventable welfare problems in companion animal care. The welfare impacts are concrete and measurable: obese dogs show reduced exercise tolerance, increased joint pain scores, poorer thermoregulation, and elevated risk of multiple serious health conditions. The paradox is that obesity is caused by owner behaviour — feeding decisions, treat provision, and exercise management — while the suffering is borne by the dog. Many owners interpret food provision as love and resist acknowledging obesity in their pet. Veterinary communication about weight is a sensitive welfare intervention that requires skill: judgemental approaches reduce owner engagement, while collaborative goal-setting and practical feeding guidance improve outcomes. Weight management clinics run by veterinary nurses have demonstrated sustained success in achieving weight loss with appropriate diet and monitored exercise increases.