Lessons from Labradors on the genetics and physiology of obesity - implications for management

Abstract

INTRODUCTION As many as 65% of pet dogs are overweight or obese1,2. Dogs gain weight following chronic energy imbalance, during which energy intake from food exceeds energy expended at exercise. Being obese is associated with an increased incidence of metabolic, endocrine, respiratory, orthopaedic, dermatological, neoplastic and other disease that means clinicians should be concerned with its prevention and treatment3. At the most fundamental level, obesity shortens lives, with obese dogs dying on average 1-2 years earlier4. There is evidence that the quality of life of overweight dogs is lower compared to lean dogs and that quality of life improves after weight loss5-7.