Canine obesity affects an estimated 30-40% of dogs in Western countries and causes significant welfare compromise through pain, reduced mobility, heat intolerance, and shortened lifespan. Prevention and management are achievable with owner commitment.
Obesity impairs quality of life progressively and is often normalised because its onset is gradual. Obese dogs experience joint pain that limits their ability to exercise - creating a negative cycle where reduced mobility leads to further weight gain. Heat tolerance is significantly reduced, causing distress during warm weather and limiting outdoor activity. Breathing difficulties are common in overweight dogs, particularly short-nosed breeds where obesity compounds anatomical breathing restrictions. The welfare cost falls entirely on the dog, who cannot understand their condition or act to change it. Owner education and veterinary support are the key interventions - dogs cannot independently manage their body weight in a human-controlled food environment.