'We shouldn't classify pet obesity as a disease'.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Behavior
• Physiology

Background:

• Obesity is a prevalent health concern in companion animals.
• Current veterinary approaches often classify pet obesity as a disease process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate the classification of chronic weight gain and obesity in pets.
• To propose an alternative perspective on pet obesity as a normal physiological and behavioral mechanism.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on animal behavior and physiology.
• Analysis of the biological underpinnings of weight gain and energy balance in domestic animals.

Main Results:

• Chronic weight gain in pets aligns with normal animal behavior and physiological responses.
• Viewing obesity as a disease may misdirect management strategies.

Conclusions:

• Pet obesity should be considered a normal biological phenomenon rather than a disease.
• This reframing may lead to more effective and humane approaches to managing pet weight.