Canine obesity is the most common preventable welfare problem in pet dogs. Understanding its causes and consequences motivates effective prevention and management.
Canine obesity imposes a broad welfare burden that extends well beyond the commonly cited risks of joint disease and reduced lifespan. Obese dogs show measurably reduced behavioral welfare: they play less, exercise less, pant more, and show reduced positive social engagement. The respiratory compromise of obesity causes chronic discomfort during normal activities. Brachycephalic breeds experience particularly severe welfare impairment from obesity compounding existing airway problems. Despite widespread awareness of canine obesity as a welfare concern, rates remain high because owners consistently underestimate their dog weight status. Prevention requires honest body condition scoring, appropriate caloric management post-neutering, and resistance to food-seeking behavior that owners often interpret as positive social interaction.