“Who ’ s been a good dog?” – Owner perceptions and motivations for treat giving

White, Gavin A.; Ward, L.; Pink, Chelsea R.; Craigon, J.; Millar, Kate

doi:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.08.002

Cited by 44 publications

(53 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…Participants with working dogs felt that they fed their pets to keep them happy; whereas, participants who had been brought up with pets and had pets for companionship identified controlling diet was an issue. This is in line with other findings, where owners considered the word treat to be food rather than any other form of pleasure for a pet [ 24 ] and the relationship of the human animal bound can contribute to the development of problem behaviours and overfeeding [ 25 ].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Understanding the context for pet cat and dog feeding and exercising behaviour among pet owners in Ireland: a qualitative study

et al. 2017

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BackgroundPet cat and dog obesity contributes to increased risk of several diseases, including cancer and diabetes mellitus as well as a worsening of orthopaedic problems, and a reduction in survival rate. This study aims to develop a better understanding of cat and dog owners’ self-reported beliefs and factors that influence owner behaviour around feeding and exercising their pet cat or dog, as there is a lack of in-depth understanding in this area. Seven focus group discussions, with 43 pet owners in total, were conducted.ResultsPet owners often reported a perceived a low level of control over feeding; often undermined by other people feeding of their pet, their pets begging for food, and their pets attitude towards food. Treats were used in the absence of owner control over pet begging and emotional attachment, and to influence pet behaviour. The majority of participants had positive attitudes to pet exercise, which could be related to pet specific requirements, especially differences in cats and dogs. There were some negative experiences of stress associated with dog walking and fears over aggressive confrontations with other dogs.ConclusionFeeding one’s pet is influenced by beliefs about pet specific needs, pet food and pet health, pet owners’ perceived control over feeding, and the implications for the pet owner. Pet exercise is influenced by beliefs about pet specific exercise needs, and the implications of exercising one’s pet for the pet owner. Understanding owner behaviours on feeding and exercise allows for a more targeted approach to preventing and treating pet obesity.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Understanding the context for pet cat and dog feeding and exercising behaviour among pet owners in Ireland: a qualitative study

et al. 2017

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“…The majority of interviewees were female. This is compatible with other UK-based companion animal research involving owners [42] and is reflects a finding of greater levels of dog ownership amongst female study participants [52]. Additionally, women are more likely than men to take on caring roles in the household [53] and future research should investigate whether women also typically take on the role of pet carer in UK households.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 81%

“You can be blind because of loving them so much”: The impact on owners in the United Kingdom of living with a dog with osteoarthritis

Belshaw¹,

Asher

Dean³

2019

Preprint

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Background There is a growing awareness that caring for a chronically ill pet may have a detrimental impact on their owner’s quality of life. Companion animal orthopaedic disease has received little research interest in this context. Canine osteoarthritis is known to negatively affect the welfare of many dogs in the United Kingdom, but its consequences for their owners has not previously been described. The aim of this study was to use a qualitative methodology to explore the impacts on a dog owner that occur following their dog’s diagnosis with osteoarthritis. Owners of osteoarthritic dogs based in the United Kingdom (UK) were recruited through veterinary practices to participate in semi-structured interview about life with their dog. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to construct key themes. This publication describes the theme that focused on the impact(s) that the dog’s condition had had on the life of their owner.Results Forty owners of 35 dogs of a range of breeds and ages were interviewed. A wide range of negative impacts on the physical, mental and financial health of owners were described. Owners detailed increasing worry over time about their pet’s condition, frequently combined with a growing need to physically assist their dog, as osteoarthritis severity increased. Their dog’s reduced mobility and need for medications progressively limited their own lifestyles and ability to have time away from their pet. Owners typically described a strong bond with their dog as a motivator to provide ongoing care.Conclusions The impacts on owners of caring for an osteoarthritic dog appear multi-faceted and may be sustained over multiple years. Veterinary surgeons may be unaware of the challenges faced these owners. The negative consequences for owners of arthritic dogs may be buffered by access to quality information about their pet’s condition, and improved support from both veterinary surgeons and other owners, enabling them to provide the best possible care.

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“…To change these traits, a clear understanding of the benefits of reaching and maintaining a lean body condition is desirable. Several studies have shown that owners tend to underestimate their pets’ body condition [ 16 , 36 ] and consider their habits in overfeeding the dog, by giving extras and treats as a way to reinforce the human–animal emotional bond [ 3 , 36 ]. In addition, some owners assert that they believe food restriction would cause their pet to suffer and that they instead would prefer their pet to be “happy” even if they are overweight.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Human and companion animal obesity represents a significant healthcare issue facing both populations and is of increasing concern, particularly in developed countries [ 1 , 2 ]. A complex relationship commonly exists between owners and their companion animals, particularly around feeding behaviour [ 3 , 4 ]. Obese pets are commonly kept by humans who are struggling with their own body weight and share the same environment, feeding habits and risks to health of being overweight [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Leaner, Healthier, Happier Together––A Family-Centred Approach to Weight Loss with the Overweight Dog and Her Caregivers

Candellone

Morgan²,

Buttignol³

et al. 2017

Veterinary Sciences

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Obesity represents a one of the most significant healthcare issues facing human and companion animal populations worldwide. A complex relationship commonly exists between owners and their companion animal, particularly around feeding behaviour. Obese companion animals commonly live alongside caregivers who are also struggling with their own body weight. This case report highlights the importance of a family-centred approach to canine obesity as a way to engage with the pet’s caregivers to help maximize their compliance towards the successful implementation of a tailored weight loss programme. Lara, an overweight dog weighing 35 kilos with a body condition score (BCS) of 7–7.5/9, was referred for a nutritional assessment. A comprehensive, pro-active and multidisciplinary protocol, tailored towards a family-centred approach, was established. After a 16-week programme, Lara reached the target body weight. The caregivers’ compliance was assessed as being excellent; they also reassessed their individual lifestyle and were able to increase awareness towards their own nutritional issues and body weight perception, resulting in weight loss in all caregivers. Lara’s case report represents how a family-centred approach can lead to successful patient weight loss and to a modification in the caregivers’ way of thinking about nutrition and their own lifestyle, with the final goal of living a healthier and longer life together.

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“Who ’ s been a good dog?” – Owner perceptions and motivations for treat giving

Cited by 44 publications

References 21 publications

Understanding the context for pet cat and dog feeding and exercising behaviour among pet owners in Ireland: a qualitative study

Understanding the context for pet cat and dog feeding and exercising behaviour among pet owners in Ireland: a qualitative study

“You can be blind because of loving them so much”: The impact on owners in the United Kingdom of living with a dog with osteoarthritis

Leaner, Healthier, Happier Together––A Family-Centred Approach to Weight Loss with the Overweight Dog and Her Caregivers

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