Obesity affects over 50% of dogs and cats in developed countries and is the most common preventable welfare problem in companion animals. Prevention is far more effective than treatment and requires owner education and veterinary support.
Obesity impairs welfare across multiple domains: physical (pain from arthritis, breathlessness, reduced mobility), behavioural (reduced play and exploration), and social (reduced interaction with owners due to exercise limitations). Obese animals also experience reduced pleasure from food when it is the only accessible enrichment - the very reward that causes obesity becomes less satisfying. Prevention through portion-controlled feeding, regular body condition monitoring and appropriate exercise protects lifelong welfare. Veterinary conversations about weight must be supportive rather than shaming - owner guilt is counterproductive and deters veterinary visits.