Obesity is the most modifiable risk factor for canine osteoarthritis, with weight reduction producing pain relief comparable to pharmaceutical intervention and dramatically improving quality of life.
Canine obesity is the most widespread, preventable welfare problem in companion animals. Overweight dogs with arthritis carry a compound burden: excess weight increases joint pain while simultaneously reducing the mobility that would help them maintain muscle mass. The welfare intervention - weight reduction - is free, requires no medication, and produces measurable quality of life improvement within weeks to months. The primary barriers are owner education about healthy body condition and the social dynamics around feeding that make overfeeding a common expression of affection. Reframing food quantity as a welfare rather than an affection issue is a central veterinary communication challenge.