"He's just big-boned." "She looks happy like this." "It's mostly fluff."
I hear some version of this every week. And I understand it. No one wants to think they've been harming their dog with love.
But here's the uncomfortable truth: obesity is one of the biggest health threats facing pets today. It's quietly shortening lives, and most owners don't see it happening.
This isn't about blame. It's about awareness, understanding the science, and making changes that actually help.
We're in the middle of a canine obesity epidemic. Large veterinary studies consistently show that 56 to 60 percent of dogs are overweight or obese. That's more than one in two.
What makes this harder to address is that most owners don't realise it. Research shows over 70 percent of owners underestimate their dog's body condition, especially with small breeds where extra weight is easier to dismiss as "compact" or "sturdy."
In clinical terms, obesity means excess body fat that impairs normal function. It's not cosmetic. It's medical.
Living in the Emirates creates specific challenges that make weight management harder than in temperate climates.
For much of the year, outdoor exercise is limited by heat. Dogs spend more time indoors, in air-conditioned environments, moving far less than their bodies were designed for. A dog who might naturally walk five kilometres a day in a cooler climate may only manage a fraction of that here.
There's also the treat culture that's common among expat pet owners, and I say this without judgement. When we're far from extended family, our dogs become even more central to our emotional lives. We show love with food. Helpers and housekeepers, equally attached, often do the same. The calories add up invisibly.
None of this is anyone's fault. But it does mean we need to be more intentional than owners in other environments.
The statistics aren't abstract. They're what I see playing out in real dogs, in real families.
Overweight dogs live up to two years less than dogs kept at a lean weight. They're four times more likely to develop osteoarthritis. The risk of diabetes increases by up to three times. Even 10 to 15 percent excess weight, an amount many owners wouldn't notice, can reduce insulin sensitivity and affect mobility.
These aren't future possibilities. They're daily cases in veterinary clinics.
From a clinical standpoint, excess fat doesn't just sit there. It acts like an inflammatory organ, releasing hormones and inflammatory signals that stress the entire body.
The downstream effects include joint disease and chronic pain, reduced stamina and heat intolerance (particularly dangerous here), insulin resistance and diabetes, strain on the heart and respiratory system, higher risk during anaesthesia and surgery, and faster progression of kidney and liver disease.
These aren't edge cases. They're common complications I manage regularly.
Most cases don't come from dramatic overfeeding. They come from stacked small habits that accumulate over months and years.
The patterns I see most often:
One of the hardest conversations in practice is explaining that mild overweight is still causing harm.
Dogs maintained at a lean body condition score show measurably better mobility, lower systemic inflammation, improved insulin sensitivity, and longer lifespans. The research on this is consistent and clear.
Weight control is preventive medicine, not aesthetics.
Effective weight management isn't about starving dogs or dramatic crash diets. It's about precision and consistency.
The dogs who succeed aren't on extreme plans. They're on sustainable routines their owners can actually maintain.
One of the biggest breakthroughs happens when owners stop fixating on the number on the scale and start watching energy, stamina, and comfort. A dog who's eager for their walk again, who plays longer, who settles more easily at night; these changes often appear within four to six weeks, well before the weight loss is "complete."
The hardest part isn't the process. It's accepting that the extra treats we thought were showing love may have been costing them time.
Obesity is common, but it's not inevitable. With early awareness, realistic adjustments, and informed choices, most dogs can return to a healthier weight without stress.
If there's one message I want you to take home, it's this:
A lean dog is not a deprived dog. A lean dog is a healthier, more comfortable, longer-living one.
If you're unsure where your dog stands, start with a proper body condition assessment from your vet and build a realistic plan from there. Small changes today can add years of quality life.
Want to understand how fresh feeding supports healthy weight? Our team can help you find the right balance for your dog.