An estimated 50-60% of companion dogs and cats in developed countries are overweight or obese, causing chronic pain from joint disease, reduced lifespan, and compromised quality of life that owners frequently do not recognize as welfare harm.
Obese pets experience chronic low-grade pain from joint disease that owners may not recognize because the animal adapts its activity rather than vocalizing pain. The welfare impact of obesity extends across the animal lifetime, progressively reducing mobility and quality of life. Because owners often express affection through food, the harm is inadvertent but real. Veterinary guidance on body condition scoring and appropriate feeding can prevent most pet obesity.