An epidemiological study of environmental factors associated with canine obesity

Courcier, E.A., Thomson, R.M., Mellor, D.J. and Yam, P. (2010) An epidemiological study of environmental factors associated with canine obesity. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 51(7), pp. 362-367. (doi: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2010.00933.x)

Abstract

Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire study of dog owners attending five primary veterinary practices in the UK. Owners were asked about dog age, neuter status, feeding habits, dog exercise, household income and owner age. The body condition score of the dogs was also assessed. Factors hypothesised to be associated with obesity were investigated. Results: In total, data from 696 questionnaires were evaluated. Out of those data evaluated, 35 center dot 3% of dogs (n=246) were classed as an ideal body shape, 38 center dot 9% (n=271) were overweight, 20 center dot 4% (n=142) were obese and 5 center dot 3% (n=37) were underweight. Identified risk factors associated with obesity included owner age, hours of weekly exercise, frequency of snacks/treats and personal income. Clinical Significance: Environmental risk factors associated with canine obesity are multifactorial and include personal income, owner age, frequency of snacks/treats and amount of exercise the dog receives. Awareness about health risks associated with obesity in dogs is significantly less in people in lower income brackets. This phenomenon is recognised in human obesity

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Yam, Dr Philippa and Mellor, Professor Dominic
• Authors: Courcier, E.A., Thomson, R.M., Mellor, D.J., and Yam, P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Journal of Small Animal Practice
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• ISSN: 0022-4510
• ISSN (Online): 1748-5827