How Common Is Obesity in Indian Pet Dogs — and Why It Shortens Lives
Clinical obesity in dogs is defined as body weight exceeding ideal by more than 20%. Current estimates suggest it affects 40-50% of urban pet dogs in India. Excess body weight directly increases the risk of joint disease, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory difficulty, and anaesthetic complications during any surgical procedure.
Products for Safe, Structured Weight Loss
This section stocks prescription and standard weight management products — Hills Prescription Diet r/d and w/d, Royal Canin Satiety Support, Purina Pro Plan Weight Management, and L-Carnitine supplementation to support fat metabolism. Safe weight loss targets 1-2% of body weight per week. Faster loss risks muscle breakdown rather than fat loss. Strict measured feeding — never free feeding — combined with graduated exercise is the standard clinical protocol.
When Diet Alone Will Not Work
Dogs with hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease may not respond to dietary restriction. These endocrine causes of weight gain should be ruled out before starting a weight management programme. Consult a vet to calculate your dog's accurate daily caloric target before changing the diet.