Over half of companion dogs and cats in developed countries are overweight or obese. Obesity causes significant suffering through secondary conditions and reduced quality of life.
Companion animal obesity is a welfare problem of enormous scale that is largely invisible to owners because cultural norms around overweight pets have shifted what appears "normal." The welfare costs are substantial and chronic: obese animals experience reduced mobility, joint pain, difficulty breathing, heat intolerance, and reduced quality of life across every activity. The social dimension of pet obesity is also important: owners who express love through food provision and who normalize overweight body conditions are inadvertently causing harm despite benevolent intent. Veterinary communication about obesity must be sensitive and non-judgmental while being clear about the welfare implications. Weight management programs combining reduced caloric intake, measured feeding, increased exercise, and regular monitoring achieve excellent results when owners are engaged and supported. The most welfare-positive approach prevents obesity from establishing through appropriate feeding from puppyhood or kittenhood.