Over 50% of dogs and cats in developed countries are overweight or obese. Obesity causes chronic pain, reduces lifespan, and severely impacts quality of life - making it the most common preventable welfare problem in companion animals.
Pet obesity is a welfare crisis that is normalized by its prevalence. When half of all pets are overweight, overweight appears normal - owners compare their pet to other pets rather than to an ideal body condition. Obese pets experience chronic joint pain from excess weight loading, breathlessness from fat limiting chest expansion, and reduced exercise tolerance that further declines fitness. The emotional dimension is important: owners who overfeed their pets typically do so out of love and the positive reinforcement of the pet's enthusiastic response to food. Reframing weight management as an act of love rather than deprivation helps owners engage constructively. Veterinarians who address pet obesity compassionately and practically provide one of the most impactful welfare interventions available.