Canine obesity is one of the most common preventable welfare problems in companion dogs. Understanding causes and evidence-based management improves dog health and quality of life.
Canine obesity causes chronic suffering through pain from arthritic joints, exercise intolerance from cardiorespiratory compromise, and metabolic disease. The welfare impact is compounded by the gradual insidious nature of weight gain that makes the deterioration difficult for owners to recognise. Many owners associate food with love and resist restricting intake despite veterinary advice. Welfare-centred management includes body condition scoring at every vet visit, honest owner communication using visual tools, structured weight loss plans, and feeding enrichment that satisfies the need for food-related behaviour without excess calories. Prevention through appropriate portion control from puppyhood is far more effective than treatment.