Associations between obesity and physical activity in dogs: a preliminary investigation

Morrison, R., Penpraze, V., Beber, A., Reilly, J.J. and Yam, P.S. (2013) Associations between obesity and physical activity in dogs: a preliminary investigation. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 54(11), pp. 570-574. (doi: 10.1111/jsap.12142)

Abstract

Objectives To assess whether obesity has any association with objectively measured physical activity levels in dogs.<p></p> Methods Thirty-nine dogs wore Actigraph GT3X accelerometers (Actigraph) for 7 consecutive days. Each dog was classified as ideal weight, overweight or obese using the 5-point body condition scoring system. Total volume of physical activity and time spent in sedentary behaviour, light-moderate intensity physical activity and vigorous intensity physical activity were compared between body condition categories.<p></p> Results Valid accelerometry data were returned for 35 of 39 dogs recruited. Eighteen dogs were classed as ideal weight, 9 as overweight and the remaining 8 as obese. All dogs spent a significant proportion of the day sedentary and obese dogs spent significantly less time in vigorous intensity physical activity than ideal weight dogs (7 ±3 minute/day versus 21 ±15 minute/day, P=0·01).<p></p> Clinical Significance Obesity is associated with lower vigorous intensity physical activity in dogs, as is also thought to occur in humans. These preliminary findings will help inform a future, larger study and may also improve our understanding of the associations between obesity and physical activity in dogs.<p></p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Yam, Dr Philippa and Penpraze, Ms Victoria
• Authors: Morrison, R., Penpraze, V., Beber, A., Reilly, J.J., and Yam, P.S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences; 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