Factors Affecting Canine Obesity

2020.08.01.
Factors Affecting Canine Obesity

Obesity is an ever-growing epidemic among people and their pets. Recently, more and more studies investigated the risk factors of dog obesity, but most of them only included data from high-income Western countries. We surveyed Hungarian dog owners about their dogs’ body conditions and social and demographic factors that might affect it. Factors affecting canine body condition seem to be similar to those of high-GDP (Gross Domestic Product) countries, suggesting that these findings are more or less universal. Older dogs are more likely to be overweight/obese than younger ones. Joint activity and sports performed with the owner, even on a hobby level decrease the likelihood of obesity, and the main source of calories (kibble, human leftovers, or raw food) also had an effect on body condition. These findings support that the main risk factors of dog obesity are the ones controlled by the caretakers of dogs, therefore it is important to educate dog owners about how they can prevent the development of this condition.

Image source: Dr.R.Kishore Kumar MVSc.

Original paper:

Orsolya Julianna, T.; Kata, V.; Vanda Katalin, J.; Péter, P. Factors Affecting Canine Obesity Seem to Be Independent of the Economic Status of the Country—A Survey on Hungarian Companion Dogs. Animals 2020, 10, 1267.

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/10/8/1267