Over half of companion dogs in developed countries are overweight or obese. This widespread condition causes chronic pain, reduced mobility, and shortened lifespan, yet remains undertreated in veterinary practice.
Canine obesity is a welfare problem largely caused by human behavior — overfeeding, inadequate exercise, and use of food as a primary bonding mechanism. Obese dogs experience chronic musculoskeletal pain, heat intolerance, difficulty breathing, and reduced ability to engage in play and exercise. The welfare costs compound over time as obesity drives osteoarthritis which in turn reduces exercise capacity, creating a negative spiral. Weight management is one of the highest-impact welfare improvements available to dog owners but requires persistent behavior change in humans.