Obesity is among the most prevalent welfare problems in companion animals, causing chronic pain, reduced mobility, and shortened lifespan. It is almost entirely preventable through informed owner behaviour.
Pet obesity is a welfare problem that is unusual in being almost entirely caused by owner behaviour and almost entirely preventable. Excess feeding — often motivated by affection, habit, or response to begging behaviour — causes chronic welfare consequences: joint pain, reduced mobility, heat intolerance, and accelerated organ disease. Obese pets live shorter lives with more pain and less ability to engage in the behaviours that constitute positive welfare. The challenge is that obesity develops gradually and owners normalise their pet's body condition — studies consistently show owners underestimate their pet's weight. Veterinarians have a responsibility to raise obesity as a welfare concern even when it is uncomfortable, and to offer structured weight management support. The framing of appropriate feeding as an act of care — rather than restriction — is central to effective owner communication.