An investigation into the impact of canine obesity on health and welfare, and the efficacy of one-to-one vs. group weight management programmes.

Abstract

The aim of this project is to understand and evaluate the perceptions of canine obesity in the UK and to develop a robust and effective weight management programme for overweight canines and their owners.

Description

Canine obesity is a significant problem in the UK with reported incidences ranging from 7.1 to 65%. Obesity in canines is recognised as a significant medical condition due to its ability to reduce quality of life and predispose the body to several complex conditions such as osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, cardiorespiratory disease and an increased anaesthetic risk. The shared prevalence of obesity in humans and canines is progressive and it is considered a major welfare concern due to the associated physiological consequences. Obesity has been described as a modern-day epidemic and the most prevalent disorder in canines.

Multiple studies have highlighted the success of individualised weight management interventions in canines . Despite this, canine obesity in the UK continues to increase and non-compliance by the owner is a significant challenge in the treatment and management. Group weight management programmes for canines have not been explored in small animal practice despite the global success rate and popularity in humans, for example, Slimming World and Weightwatchers. The relationship between people and their canine companions is strong and positive human-animal connections are beneficial for both parties and, ultimately, humans are responsible for the success or failure of their pets with regard to weight loss. If group, multi-component interventions are more successful in humans, there is the potential for this to be mirrored within the canine world with the group aspect providing support for canine carers. As the provision of canine nutrition is the responsibility of the owner, their role in the weight loss and maintenance of their pet is crucial.

Here, we seek to explore individualised vs. group weigh-loss programmes in dogs whilst also assessing the overall health of the dogs involved. Further to this, we aim to gain a better understanding of public and veterinary perceptions of canine obesity and weightloss interventions.