Clinical, nutritional, metabolic, and behavioral profile of obese dogs
Keywords:
Dyslipidemias, physical exercise, nutritional management, animal healthAbstract
Obesity currently stands out as one of the most prevalent and rapidly growing diseases in the canine population, resulting from the interaction of several factors, such as genetic predisposition and excessive food intake. In addition to the increase in adipose tissue, this condition is associated with important metabolic alterations, especially dyslipidemias, characterized by elevated serum concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol, which may also contribute to the development of other diseases. In this context, obesity represents a significant veterinary public health concern, negatively affecting the well-being, longevity, and quality of life of these animals. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the clinical, nutritional, behavioral, and laboratory profile of obese dogs treated at a veterinary teaching clinic. Dogs classified as obese based on body condition score (BCS: 7-9) were evaluated considering variables such as sex, age, breed, reproductive status, body weight, type and frequency of feeding, treat offerings, home environment, physical activity, associated clinical signs, and laboratory abnormalities. The results demonstrated a higher occurrence of obesity in females and neutered animals, associated with inadequate feeding management, frequent treat offerings, low levels of physical activity, and the presence of metabolic alterations. Therefore, the importance of continuous veterinary guidance, proper nutritional management, and the adoption of preventive strategies for the control of canine obesity is emphasized.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Rayane da Silva Fernandes, Luiz Felipe Morais de Oliveira, Thayane Sant'Ana Ribeiro de Carvalho, Júlia Cordeiro Marques, Ana Carolina Silva Lage, Jorge Luiz Pinto Abrahão, Lorraine Cristina Gomes Dias, Gabrielle Costa, Natália Lôres Lopes
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