Prevalence and risk factors for obesity in adult dogs from private US veterinary practices

E M. Lund
P J. Armstrong
Claudia A. Kirk, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
J S. Klausner

Abstract

Using a cross-sectional study design, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in dogs over 1 year of age seen by US veterinarians during 1995 was determined. Risk factors for overweight and obesity were also determined from the following variables: age, breed, gender, body condition score, food type, reported concurrent disease, and geographic region. Thirty-four percent of adult dogs (n=21,754) were overweight or obese. From multivariate analyses, overweight dogs were more likely to be older, of certain breeds (Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Dalmatian, Dachshund, Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, Shetland Sheepdog, Mixed-breed), neutered, and to consume a semi-moist food as their major diet source. In addition, overweight adult dogs were most likely to reside in the Pacific, South Central, East North Central, or Northeast regions of the United States and be diagnosed with hyperadrenocorticism, ruptured cruciate ligament, hypothyroidism, lower urinary tract disease, or oral disease. Obese dogs were more likely to be older, of certain breeds (Shetland Sheepdog, Dachshund, and Golden Retriever), neutered, and to consume "other" foods (meat or other food products, commercial treats, or table scraps), homemade, or canned foods as their major diet source. Also, obese adult dogs were more likely to live in the Pacific or Northeast region of the United States and be diagnosed with hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, ruptured cruciate ligament, or neoplasia. Practitioners can use these data to counsel dog owners on obesity prevention, especially owners of dogs with ≥1 risk factors for overweight/obesity, and to strongly advocate for the maintenance of canine patients at an ideal body condition.