Scope of the Problem and Perception by Owners and Veterinarians

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2016 Sep;46(5):761-72. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2016.04.001. Epub 2016 Jun 2.

Abstract

Obesity is a common disease of modern dogs and cats. Dog and cat owners often do not realize their animal is affected. Some pet owners are skeptical of the diagnosis or rationalize the overweight condition of their pets. Animal-related factors associated with obesity in dogs and cats include breed, neuter status, age, and gender, whereas owner-related factors include diet choice, feeding method, and provision of exercise. Owner characteristics, such as age and income, are also potential risk factors for pet obesity. Identifying such risk factors for both animals and owners may help provide targets for prevention or interventional tools.

Keywords: Canine; Diet; Feeding; Feline; Nutrition; Obesity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animal Husbandry
  • Animals
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Cat Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Cats
  • Dog Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Dogs
  • Humans
  • Obesity / prevention & control
  • Obesity / veterinary*
  • Ownership*
  • Veterinarians