Obesity in pets is common and can be caused by various genetic, environmental, and pathogenic factors. Viruses such as canine distemper virus, adenovirus 36, and scrapie agent have been shown to contribute to obesity by affecting the central nervous system or adipocytes. Treating pet obesity requires a combination of diet management through calorie reduction and increased exercise under veterinary supervision, with the goal of gradual weight loss of 1% of body weight per week. Long-term changes in an owner's feeding habits and increasing a pet's activity level are necessary to successfully treat obesity.