Prevalence of canine obesity in the city of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

canine obesity is associated with comorbidities, a shortened lifespan, and a poorer quality of life, but epidemiological studies characterizing canine obesity in Latin America are scarce. therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of canine obesity in the city of Sao paulo, Brazil, and the possible associated causal factors. Randomly-selected households from different city regions were visited. Dogs in each household were evaluated and owners completed a questionnaire whilst their anthropometric measures were taken. Total of 285 dogs from 221 owners were included, and the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 40.5%. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was greater in female dogs (P = 0.003) and in dogs that were neutered (P = 0.001). There was also a positive association between BcS and frequency of visits to a veterinarian (P = 0.026), feeding frequency (P = 0.033), and higher snack intake (P = 0.011). Further, the BCS of dogs was greater when their owners reported consuming more snacks themselves (P = 0.005) and whose had a presence of elderly people in the household (P = 0.006). In conclusion, the prevalence of obesity found in a Brazilian metropolitan region was similar to that if other countries, and neutering and snack intake were associated with the development of this disease. Obesity is characterized by the accumulation of adipose tissue to the point that health is adversely affected, (BROOKS) 1 and adverse effects in dogs include comorbidities 2 , reduced quality of life, and a shortened lifespan 3 (Alonso). Body condition scoring (BCS) is the current method used to determining adiposity, with a 9-unit system most widely recommended 4. Using such a system, dogs with a BCS of 6 or 7 are defined as having an overweight condition, whilst those with a BCS of 8 or 9 have obesity. There has been a significant increase in obesity prevalence over the last 30 years 5 , with the current prevalence of obesity. The estimate obese and overweight dog population assessed in veterinary hospitals has been determined in the United States, United Kingdom, China, Japan, and Spain, which place obesity prevalence at 5 to 20% and overweight between 20 and 30% 2,6-8. Several factors are associated with the development of obesity including genetics, environmental, behavioral, and sociocultural factors 6,9-11. Owner factors are also implicated, including feeding practices (e.g. offering excessive food) and providing physical activity. Sometimes, owner behavior results from misinformation about appropriate pet care, and they might even transfer their unhealthy feeding habits to their pets 6,7,11. Until now, information has been scarce regarding canine obesity epidemiology and owner profile in Latin America. Most notably, the current prevalence of overweight and obesity in the canine pet population is not known, whilst more information is required regarding owner factors associated with its development in this region. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the current prevalence of overweight and obes...

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The shared risk of diabetes between dog and cat owners and their pets: register based cohort study

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