Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Obesity Prevention and Welfare

Canine obesity is one of the most common and damaging welfare problems in companion animals, causing chronic pain and disease.

Key Facts

An estimated 40-60% of UK dogs are overweight or obese
Obesity causes or exacerbates arthritis, respiratory disease, diabetes and skin problems
Body condition scoring on a 9-point scale is the most practical assessment method
Owner perception of healthy weight is significantly skewed toward acceptance of overweight
Portion control and appropriate exercise are the cornerstones of weight management

Welfare Considerations

Obesity causes chronic pain, reduces quality of life and shortens lifespan in dogs. The welfare harm is compounded by the fact that many owners fail to recognise excess weight in their pets. Proactive weight management as a welfare issue rather than cosmetic concern is essential.

What You Can Do

Learn body condition scoring to accurately assess your dog's weight status
Work with your vet to develop a safe weight loss plan for overweight dogs
Avoid using high-calorie treats as the primary form of reward and enrichment