Canine obesity today affects a significant proportion of dogs in developed countries, with well-documented consequences for health and life expectancy — an issue just as relevant for active dogs as for sedentary ones.

Why obesity is a real health risk

Contrary to popular belief, excess weight isn't just a matter of appearance: it significantly increases the risk of hip dysplasia, early arthritis, heart and respiratory problems, and reduces life expectancy by several years according to certain veterinary studies.

For a sport or working dog, being overweight directly limits performance, increases the risk of injury (see our article on common injuries), and slows recovery after exertion.

Recognizing an overweight dog

  • Palpating the ribs: they should be easily felt under a thin layer of fat, without being visible
  • The silhouette seen from above: a well-defined waist should be visible between the ribs and hips
  • The side profile: the belly should tuck up toward the hindquarters, without a straight or sagging line

A dog failing to meet these three criteria is likely overweight and requires corrective action.

The main causes

  • Excessive feeding relative to the dog's actual energy expenditure
  • Excessive treats, often underestimated in the total calorie count
  • Lack of exercise proportional to food intake
  • Spaying/neutering: metabolism often changes after the procedure, requiring a ration adjustment
  • Advanced age: metabolism naturally slows down, without owners systematically adjusting the ration

How to act effectively

  • Consult a vet to set a realistic weight goal and rule out any underlying medical cause (notably hypothyroidism)
  • Adjust the ration gradually, never abruptly
  • Drastically limit treats, or factor them into the daily calorie count rather than treating them as an extra
  • Increase physical activity gradually, particularly for overweight dogs where joint strain must remain moderate at first
  • Weigh regularly to track progress and adjust as needed

A particularly important issue for the active dog

For a dog practicing a sport or working profession, a few extra kilograms represent a disproportionate additional load on the joints with every jump, every change of direction, every prolonged effort. Maintaining an optimal weight is therefore not just a matter of general longevity, but a genuine lever for performance and injury prevention.