When dietary management fails to achieve weight loss in obese companion animals, medical and surgical interventions may be considered, but behavioral and lifestyle change remains the foundation.
Medical management of companion animal obesity recognizes that successful weight loss requires addressing the behavioral and lifestyle factors driving excess calorie intake. Prescription diets provide measured caloric restriction while maintaining nutrient adequacy, but owner compliance is often the limiting factor. Medical workup to exclude hormonal causes is important before attributing obesity purely to overfeeding. Exercise prescription must be calibrated to the animal's current fitness level and health status - obese animals may have joint problems limiting exercise capacity. The welfare goal is achieving and maintaining a healthy body condition that prevents the chronic diseases associated with obesity while preserving quality of life.