A cross-sectional study on the effect of exercise on the body condition score in dogs

Abstract

Objectives The aims of this research were determining whether the total amount of exercise and the type of activities a dog does have effect on the body condition score; determining the prevalence of obesity, and determining whether owners are perceptive of their dog’s body condition. Methods Dog owners visiting veterinary clinics in the South-West of the Netherlands were asked to fill in a questionnaire concerning the demographics of their dog, housing and amount of exercise. Both owner and researcher scored the dogs body condition on a nine-point scale using a body condition scoring chart. Variables with a significant association with the body condition score were included in a multinomial logistic regression model.Results 220 dogs were included in this study. After multinomial logistic regression model, the following factors had significant odds (P<0,05) for being overweight or obese: single dog households, low or medium intrinsic activity levels and age. Swimming only had significant odds for being obese, not for being overweight. The total amount of exercise did have a significant association with the body condition score, but was eliminated in the multinomial logistic regression model. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the South-West of the Netherlands were 25% and 21% respectively. The owner’s perception of their dogs’ body condition was moderate (Kappa between owner and researcher 0,44; P<0,001).Discussion A study using both a questionnaire and an accelerometer may provide a less biased result and may demonstrate a significant effect of exercise on the body condition of dogs.