Canine obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in UK dogs and causes significant welfare suffering from associated conditions including arthritis, diabetes, and respiratory compromise.
Obesity reduces canine welfare through multiple concurrent conditions. Excess weight loads arthritic joints, causing increased pain. Obesity predisposes to diabetes requiring lifelong management. Respiratory compromise from fat deposition impairs exercise tolerance. Skin fold infections in excessively fat dogs cause chronic skin disease. The welfare costs are compounded by reduced mobility that prevents the physical activity and exploration that provide positive welfare benefits. Weight management through dietary restriction and exercise restores welfare by reducing pain, improving mobility, and re-enabling normal positive behaviour expression. Owner motivation and veterinary support are both essential for successful long-term weight management.