How effective are interventions designed to help owners to change their behaviour so as to manage the weight of their companion dogs? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Krasuska, Marta; Webb, Thomas L.

doi:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.08.016

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 60 publications

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“…In dogs, an excessive body fat accumulation has been also a serious concern and became a common health problem that affects on the quality of dog’s life [3–6]. Unlike farm animals of which the nutritional balance is systemically managed by the feeding standard to achieve optimal productivity dogs living at home are dependent on owner’s feeding regime [7,8]. Most of dog’s owners aware the importance of adequate nutrition and activity but it is difficult for them to feed their dogs in an appropriate feeding level because of the variety of diets and sources of information available [9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A simple method to evaluate body condition score to maintain the optimal body weight in dogs

Chun

Bang

et al. 2019

J Anim Sci Technol

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Overweight and obesity induce serious health problems that exert negative effects on dog’s welfare. Body condition score (BCS) is a common method to evaluate the body fat mass in animals. By palpating and observing fats under the skin it is possible to predict animal’s body fat accumulation condition. BCS is also a useful tool to estimate body fat composition in dogs. However, BCS can be subjective when it was performed by non-professionals like pet’s owners. To develop a method to avoid the misevaluation of BCS twenty-four Beagles were enrolled and performed BCS evaluation. In addition, the length of chest and abdominal girths were measured. In correlation analysis, the sizes of chest and abdominal girth were significantly correlated with BCS. Especially, the difference and ratio of the chest and abdominal length were highly correlated with the BCS. With that, we suggested that this simple measurement of chest and abdominal girths by a measuring tape would be an effective method to estimate BCS scores in dogs that helps non-professionals to manage their own dog’s nutritional condition by monitoring body fat accumulation condition.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A simple method to evaluate body condition score to maintain the optimal body weight in dogs

Chun

Bang

et al. 2019

J Anim Sci Technol

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“…The food type did not affect the body fat percentage in this study; this was probably because the owner controlled the dogs' diet, selected commercial pet food, or cooked using ingredients that were rich in nutrients and poor in calories [42][43][44]; although, a previous study found that the owners of dogs with high BCS have less perceived control over feeding and exercise [45]. It is a limitation of this study that data on the nutritional content of food were not collected.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 76%

Using bioelectrical impedance analysis for modeling regression and predicting body fat accumulation in dogs in East Thailand

et al. 2022

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Background and Aim: Obesity in dogs leads to several health problems, such as premature death, and contributes to other diseases. Recently, body fat percentage has been considered to represent the body condition of dogs, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is the most effective method for accurately measuring body fat in dogs. In Thailand, information on the body condition of dogs is limited, and there is no standard body fat level for Thai or mongrel dogs. This study was designed to evaluate and analyze the body fat percentage in dogs through BIA using a handheld instrument. The results of this study can help enhance the quality of life and health of dogs and aid in setting a standard body fat level for Thai or mongrel dogs. Materials and Methods: The body fat percentage of 340 Thai and mongrel dogs in East Thailand was measured in the standing position, and the body condition score (BCS) (range, 1–5), sex, sterilization status, age, type of diet, and lifestyle were recorded. A linear regression model was developed to compare the variables and the predicted body fat percentage, and multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the factors for body fat increment. Results: The linear regression model used to estimate the percentage of body fat (y) for each BCS (x) was y = 0.84 + 8.36x (R2 = 0.7219; p < 0.0001); the average body fat percentage was 27.52% for all studied dogs; specifically, 24.83% for the Thai Bangkaew, 26.42% for the Thai Ridgeback, and 27.65% for mongrels. The median body fat percentage was significantly higher in female than in male dogs. We found that as age increases, body fat percentage also increases; this increasing trend begins at the age of 5 years. However, increasing the level of activity and decreasing meal frequency leads to an increase in body fat percentage in neutered male dogs. Conclusion: The average body fat percentage of dogs in East Thailand is 27.52% and this value is expected to increase when these dogs reach the age of 5 years. BIA is a valid and effective measurement tool for detecting the body fat percentage in dogs.

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“…Several approaches to encourage dog walking amongst dog owners have been investigated but met with limited success [15,34,35]. One objective of our study was to investigate whether real-time feedback from canine activity trackers may provide a motivation for dog owners to increase their dog-associated PA; however, we were unable to show an improved compliance with the exercise plan with the use of pet wearables.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Veterinary-prescribed physical activity promotes walking in healthy dogs and people

Duncan¹,

Carswell²,

Nelson³

et al. 2020

BMC Vet Res

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Background Regular physical activity (PA) promotes health and can prevent and treat diseases among both humans and dogs. Unfortunately, most U.S. adults do not meet PA recommendations, and many dogs are also insufficiently active. Veterinary-prescribed PA programs have shown some success in increasing activity among overweight dogs, but the impacts of such programs have not yet been tested for efficacy among otherwise-healthy dogs and owners. In addition, although wearable devices that monitor PA and provide individuals with feedback (e.g., progress toward a daily step goal) can effectively increase human PA, it is unclear what impact similar wearable devices have on human and dog PA when the PA-monitoring devices are worn by dogs. The present study assessed the impact of an 8-week veterinary-prescribed PA program on activity and health among dogs and their owners, and randomized participants (n = 59) to two groups: one in which PA was measured but not visible to participants (n = 30), and one in which PA was measured and real time feedback was visible through a wearable device (n = 29). Results Participants in both groups showed significant PA increases over the course of the 8-week program. Biomedical testing performed at the veterinary clinic facilitated early diagnosis of systemic illness in one human participant. The frequency of hypertension in human participants decreased significantly from baseline to the end of the program (week 8). Other health indices (e.g., BMI in humans, body weight and BCS in dogs) improved, albeit not to a statistically significant extent, over the course of the program. There were no significant differences on the outcomes of interest between the two experimental conditions. Conclusions Veterinary-prescribed PA programs appear promising for increasing PA among insufficiently active but otherwise healthy dogs as well as their owners. Additional testing of veterinary-prescribed PA is warranted, particularly at other types of veterinary clinics (e.g., private practices). Incorporating wearable devices permitting owners to track canine PA did not appear necessary for obtaining these benefits; however, additional studies investigating alternative devices or different time periods may be warranted.

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How effective are interventions designed to help owners to change their behaviour so as to manage the weight of their companion dogs? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract: This is a repository copy of How effective are interventions designed to help owners to change their behaviour so as to manage the weight of their companion dogs? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cited by 7 publications

References 60 publications

A simple method to evaluate body condition score to maintain the optimal body weight in dogs

A simple method to evaluate body condition score to maintain the optimal body weight in dogs

Using bioelectrical impedance analysis for modeling regression and predicting body fat accumulation in dogs in East Thailand

Veterinary-prescribed physical activity promotes walking in healthy dogs and people

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