How does Christmas affect weight loss programmes in dogs?

Abstract

To determine the effect of the Christmas period on food intake and rates of weight loss in obese dogs on weight programmes. METHODS This was an observational retrospective study of 38 obese dogs attending the Royal Canin Weight Management Clinic, University of Liverpool. Weight loss programmes of all dogs spanned the Christmas period, and owners had completed a food diary, which enabled energy intake from extra food (i.e. treats and table scraps) to be calculated. Rates of weight loss and energy from extra food were compared across three periods, comprising Christmas (21d starting the weekend before Christmas), pre-Christmas (21d immediately before the Christmas period), and post-Christmas (21d immediately after the Christmas period). Friedman's test (with Conover post-hoc comparisons) was used for statistical analysis.