Obesity affects over 50% of UK pets. As the leading preventable health condition in companion animals, it causes chronic pain, reduces lifespan and significantly compromises quality of life.
Companion animal obesity is a welfare crisis hidden in plain sight. Overweight pets are so common that many owners have lost the ability to recognise a healthy weight - what looks 'too thin' to them is often actually ideal. The consequences of obesity are severe and prolonged: years of joint pain from arthritis, breathing difficulties, increased surgical risk and shortened lifespan. Unlike most welfare problems, obesity is almost entirely preventable through owner education and commitment. The barrier is cultural: food is love in many pet-keeping relationships, and refusing treats feels like withholding affection. Breaking this association and establishing appropriate feeding as the genuinely loving choice is the core welfare communication challenge.