Risk factors associated with obesity and overweight in dogs

Abstract

Obesity and overweight are multifactorial in origin, characterized by the accumulation of adipose tissue that touches the reference values for each species, which can trigger changes in physiological functions. This review article describes the main causes of obesity and overweight in dogs, as well as the risk factors associated with these conditions. A bibliographic survey was carried out in the electronic databases SciELO, Medline, Web of Science and Lilacs, as well as a search in books and journals. The selected studies addressed the concept of obesity and overweight, causes and consequences of obesity and overweight, diagnosis, prevention and treatment in dogs. The literature shows that the causes of obesity and overweight are correlated with individual, genetic, environmental, and behavioral aspects, with the influence of the dog/guardian relationship and the animal's anthropomorphization process. There are reflexes in the feeding management of the dog with the new forms of interspecific relationships, such as the provision of inadequate food in quality and quantity. Obesity is associated with risks to the health of the animal, due to its relationship with various physiological disorders and metabolic complications, leading to reduced quality and life expectancy of the obese dog.