Researchers develop tools to help dog owners manage pet obesity

Psychologist and behavior change expert Professor Thomas Webb and a team of researchers has developed a health pack to help owners manage their dogs’ weight. The study is published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

Dog obesity is on the rise in the UK, with almost half of dogs thought to be overweight or obese. Psychologist and behavior change expert Professor Thomas Webb and a team of researchers has developed a health pack to help owners manage their dogs’ weight.

The pack is based on previous research and focuses on supporting owners to adopt healthier habits for their pets. The project combines behavioral science with practical tools and has shown promising results in early testing.

“Obesity in dogs can lead to serious health problems, including arthritis, diabetes, and a reduced lifespan. While there are many contributing factors, owners play a pivotal role in managing their dog’s diet and exercise,” says Professor Thomas Webb.

“In this sense, obesity among companion animals is a human problem. However, most owners love their animals and are trying to do the right thing. Therefore, our research focuses on giving owners practical tools to support them to make positive changes to their behavior.”

The health pack was created with input from veterinary professionals and feedback from dog owners and includes:

• Guidance on the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and how to assess Body Condition Score (a tool for understanding the healthy shape for a dog).
• A journal to track progress over time.
• An infographic showing the caloric content of common dog treats.
• Cards with tips for managing situations like begging or sharing food.
• A collar tag as a reminder to prioritize healthy habits.

Following the development of the health pack, it was tested in trials with 78 dog owners. The majority of participants provided positive feedback and ultimately found it helpful, with preliminary results showing some dogs had reduced their weight and improved their BCS after its use.

Nestlé Purina Petcare is producing an initial batch of health packs that will be distributed to veterinary practices across the UK. This will allow the health pack to be tested on a larger scale and help evaluate their effectiveness in real-world settings.