What is it about?
This article challenges the notion that overweight and obesity are nutritional disorders that can be addressed by recommending a weight loss diet. It explores the prevalence and impacts of overweight and obesity - not just on health and longevity of animals, but also on their welfare. We discuss impacts of excess weight and its management on the 5 Domains of animal welfare. Additionally, we make recommendations for veterinary general practitioners seeking to manage overweight and obese pets.
Featured Image
Photo by Tonia Kraakman on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Current studies suggest that veterinary weight management plans generally fail. We contend that this is because of a narrow conception of excess weight as a nutritional disorder, without attending to welfare and behaviour concerns.
Perspectives
As a clinician, I've seen veterinary weight management plans fail. Quite often, the advice given is simply to "feed less" or put an a prescription weight loss diet and told not to give treats. Caregivers are sometimes "shamed" for their animal's weight. While overweight and obesity do impact welfare negatively, we need to rethink our approach to weight management. There are many factors - including genetics and obesogenic environments - that caregivers cannot control. As an academic, this was a huge review to undertake. As a veterinary clinician, I have found it so useful. We commissioned illustrations for this article that I now refer to in consultations when trying to explain the concepts of intermittent reenforcement and extinction bursts (in relation to feeding tablescraps) to my clients. I hope these will be useful resources for other veterinarians in practice.
Dr Anne Quain
University of Sydney
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Overweight and Obesity in Dogs and Cats: An Exploration of Animal Welfare and Behaviour Impacts, and Recommendations for Management in Veterinary Primary Care, Animals, April 2026, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/ani16081204.
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