Obese pets are on the rose globally. Photo credit: Natch-Noth/Shutterstock
In recent years, drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have transformed the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes in humans. These medications, based on GLP-1 receptor agonists, suppress appetite and regulate blood sugar, often leading to significant weight loss. Now, veterinary science is exploring whether similar therapies could help overweight pets, particularly dogs and cats.
A wave of research has begun to test GLP-1 drugs such as liraglutide, exenatide, and semaglutide in companion animals. Early trials in Golden Retrievers, for example, found that liraglutide reduced appetite and body weight while also improving cholesterol profiles. Studies in cats have demonstrated that GLP-1 therapies can improve glucose control and reduce reliance on insulin, which may benefit animals with diabetes-related complications. Pharmaceutical companies are developing new delivery methods, such as the OKV-119 implant, which releases exenatide slowly over time, potentially allowing for long-term management. If approved, these treatments could be available for veterinary use within the next few years.
The growing interest in pharmacological interventions reflects a genuine problem: pet obesity is on the rise worldwide. In many countries, studies suggest that over half of household dogs are overweight or obese, putting them at heightened risk of arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and reduced lifespan. While GLP-1 medications may offer a clinical tool for animals already suffering from obesity-related health issues, it is essential to recognise the root cause: owner management and lifestyle.
As an animal welfare and behaviour specialist, I must emphasise that pet obesity is rarely unavoidable. While some dogs and cats may have a genetic predisposition or underlying hormonal condition, most cases can be prevented through proper species specific diet management, measured feeding, and appropriate exercise. Obesity in pets typically results from overfeeding, under-exercising, or both. In this sense, allowing an animal to become obese is a form of neglect, just as feeding too little is. Both extremes represent a failure to meet the animal’s basic physical and psychological needs.
There is also a broader ethical concern: normalising pharmaceutical interventions for overweight pets risks shifting responsibility from owners to medications. Weight-loss injections may seem convenient, but they do not replace fundamental care. Relying on these treatments can create a dangerous precedent, implying that owners can neglect proper feeding and activity because a “quick fix” exists. Long-term welfare standards demand that owners remain accountable for diet, exercise, and enrichment.
Yes, in exceptional medical cases, GLP-1 therapies may be appropriate, much like humans sometimes require medical assistance. However, the most effective, humane, and cost-efficient prevention of obesity remains responsible ownership: balanced nutrition, daily physical activity, and mental stimulation. Encouraging these practices ensures animals maintain healthy body condition, physical fitness, and psychological well-being. Ultimately, pet obesity is a human problem, not an animal one. Treating it solely with drugs risks normalising neglect and compromising welfare standards. Owners must understand that nothing replaces attentive care, exercise, and proper feeding. By combining education, responsible management, and veterinary guidance when truly necessary, we can safeguard the health and welfare of pets while addressing the global obesity crisis responsibly.
