Obesity affects over 50% of dogs and cats in many developed countries, shortening lifespan and reducing quality of life while remaining underrecognized as a welfare issue.
Pet obesity is a welfare harm that often results from genuine owner affection expressed through overfeeding. Overweight animals experience chronic joint pain, reduced exercise tolerance, breathing difficulties, and increased surgical risk. The misconception that a heavy pet is a healthy or happy pet persists despite clear evidence to the contrary. Welfare-conscious obesity management requires owner education about body condition scoring, calorie measurement, regular weigh-ins, and the understanding that appropriate food restriction is an act of love, not deprivation.