Fat Dogs Of Delhi Competition Examines Risks Of Overweight Community Dogs
Veterinarians explain when excess weight becomes a health concern.
A “Fat Dogs of Delhi” competition featuring the capital’s overweight community dogs has prompted a wider discussion about animal health and responsible feeding. The contest invited people to vote for their favourite dogs, with results scheduled to be announced on October 1. While the event has drawn attention to popular community dogs, veterinarians, trainers and feeders have also raised concerns about when excess weight can become a health issue.
The concern has intensified following the reported deaths of two dogs featured in the competition, Tara Khan, also known as Khan Saheb from Khan Market, and Gola, also known as Kebab or Rajpal Singh, from SDA Market. Another contestant, Googoo, reportedly weighs 46 kg and had recently experienced difficulty climbing even a single step. The dog is now undergoing supervised weight loss at Jeevashram’s hospital in Delhi.
Veterinarian Dr Ashish Jhajharia said multiple people may feed the same community dog, particularly in areas around markets and meat shops, potentially resulting in excessive food intake and weight gain. He also pointed to limited opportunities for exercise and other health complications that can affect weight. Dog trainer Shalini Mukerji similarly stressed the importance of proper management and responsible feeding of community dogs.
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However, veterinarians said excess food is not necessarily the only explanation for a community dog becoming overweight. Noida-based veterinarian Dr Tanya Bansal said underlying health conditions and complications following sterilisation can also contribute to weight gain, while limited access to consistent veterinary care remains a challenge. Feeders, meanwhile, said neighbourhood networks can help coordinate portions, medical care, vaccinations and medicines to prevent unnecessary overfeeding.
For pet dogs, veterinarian Dr Adil Jain identified overfeeding and insufficient exercise as major contributors to obesity, particularly among food-motivated breeds. Experts cited in the report emphasised that maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves appropriate food, regular activity and veterinary monitoring. They also advised against putting an overweight community dog on a diet without first checking for possible medical causes.
The guidance for feeders includes coordinating meals when several people regularly feed the same dog, keeping track of veterinary visits and vaccinations, and considering the animal’s mobility and overall health rather than weight alone. For severely overweight dogs, exercise should be appropriate to their physical condition and undertaken with veterinary guidance rather than through sudden strenuous activity.
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