Obesity is the most common nutritional disease in companion animals, causing chronic pain and reduced lifespan, but is entirely preventable through appropriate feeding and exercise.
Obese animals suffer from chronic pain from increased joint loading, respiratory compromise from excess abdominal fat, heat intolerance, and reduced ability to perform normal activities. Quality of life is measurably reduced in obese pets. The chronic suffering caused by obesity is largely invisible to owners who perceive their pet as simply happy and well-fed. Weight management through reduced calories and appropriate exercise is one of the highest-impact welfare interventions available to pet owners.