Correlates of objectively measured physical activity in dogs

Morrison, R., Penpraze, V., Greening, R., Underwood, T., Reilly, J. J. and Yam, P. S. (2014) Correlates of objectively measured physical activity in dogs. Veterinary Journal, 199(2), pp. 263-267. (doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.11.023)

Abstract

To increase physical activity (PA) levels in dogs and to better evaluate their energy requirements, there is a need to understand which factors or correlates are associated with PA and/or sedentary behaviour. Improving our understanding of these correlates also has implications for prescribed energy requirements in dogs. PA was measured using accelerometry in 62 dogs from two common breeds (Labrador retrievers and Cocker spaniels). Five potential correlates (age, sex, breed, neuter status, body condition score) were tested for associations with total volume of PA, light-moderate intensity PA, vigorous intensity PA and sedentary behaviour. Age and breed were associated with total volume of PA, light-moderate intensity PA and sedentary behaviour in the final models. Age was associated with vigorous intensity PA. The final models explained 60%, 40%, 63% and 44% of variance in total volume of PA, light-moderate intensity PA, vigorous intensity PA and sedentary behaviour, respectively. These results should improve understanding of the variation in energy requirements of dogs, as well as the development of age and breed-specific diets and the prevention and treatment of canine obesity.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Yam, Dr Philippa and Reilly, Prof John and Penpraze, Ms Victoria and Morrison, Mr Ryan
• Authors: Morrison, R., Penpraze, V., Greening, R., Underwood, T., 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: Veterinary Journal
• Publisher: Elsevier Ltd.
• ISSN: 1090-0233
• ISSN (Online): 1532-2971