Pet obesity has reached epidemic proportions in many countries, causing significant health problems and reduced quality of life. Understanding and addressing the causes protects companion animal welfare.
Pet obesity is a welfare crisis driven by kindness - owners who feed generously and resist their pets' apparent hunger believe they are expressing care. The reality is that overweight pets carry a chronic burden of reduced mobility, joint pain, respiratory compromise, and reduced lifespan that represents significant quality of life loss. An obese cat who struggles to groom herself, an overweight dog who cannot walk to the park without panting, or a dog who develops diabetes requiring daily insulin injections - all are experiencing preventable welfare deficits caused by overfeeding. The veterinary profession has been insufficiently direct about obesity as a welfare problem, and owners need both clear information and practical guidance to address it effectively.