Evaluation of functional capacity in obese, overweight and normal dogs using six-minute walk test

Obesity is a growing health concern in companion animals and is associated with reduced longevity, impaired quality of life, and increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory dysfunction. The present study evaluated the effect of obesity on functional capacity and exercise-induced cardiac responses in dogs using the Six-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT) and electrocardiography (ECG). A total of 124 client-owned Labrador retrievers presented to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, SKUAST-Jammu were assessed. Dogs were categorized as normal, overweight, or obese based on body weight, body condition score, and body fat percentage. Functional capacity was assessed by measuring the distance walked during the 6-MWT, along with changes in heart rate, respiration rate, and ECG parameters before and after exercise. Obese dogs walked significantly shorter distances compared to normal dogs and exhibited higher post-exercise heart and respiration rates, indicating reduced exercise tolerance. Distance walked showed a significant negative correlation with body fat percentage, body weight, and body condition score. The study demonstrates that obesity markedly impairs functional capacity and alters cardiac responses in dogs, and validates the 6-MWT as a simple, reliable tool for assessing functional capacity in obese and cardiopulmonary-compromised dogs.