Prevention of Obesity

5. Prevention of Obesity

The Best Treatment for Obesity is Prevention

Knowledge of the epidemiology of obesity is a prerequisite for active lifelong preventative tools. Prevention is either passive or active.

Passive prevention consists in collecting as much data as possible throughout the animal's life and using the data to the fullest extent. In day-to-day veterinary medicine all dogs must be weighed and the data carefully noted in the patient's file and "passport". Passive prevention also involves the use of body condition scoring.

Active prevention goes further. It consists in taking responsibility for the dog's food and its energy ration, and continuing to monitor its diet throughout its life.

Conclusion

As we have progressed through this chapter, we have seen that canine obesity is a major pathology that affects approximately 25% of the dog population. Bearing in mind the knowledge we have today, it is unacceptable to ignore a disease that has so many harmful consequences for the animal's health and that reduces its life expectancy. When prevention proves ineffective the veterinarian must develop a systematic approach that takes account of diet, from a quality and quantity perspective, and the other environmental factors. All told, the owner's perception of the message will determine the success of the nutritional treatment and the subsequent maintenance of the body weight.

Behaviors or Tools Can Be Developed by Veterinarians to Encourage Owners to Prevent Obesity

For puppy owners highlight which breeds that are predisposed to obesity, provide information on the expected adult weight, encourage the graphing of weight growth curves, discourage bad habits, emphasize the harmful effects of obesity and provide comprehensive and personalized information on food.

Generally speaking, provide precise information about food for dogs. Recommend quantities and types of food, behaviors to avoid, highlight every change in body weight, even minor, and establish a link with dietary habits in the home.

Limit the energy intake of animals immediately after neutering.

Encourage regular exercise and if possible, quantify it (minimum x hours per week).

Organize a multidisciplinary consultation for obese dogs together with an endocrinologist and a behaviorist.

Organize a dog health consultation in the form of an annual checkup and show an interest in monitoring the dog's weight and diet.

Provide a platform scale in the waiting room or a special room for example so that owners are encouraged to weigh their animals regularly.

Provide information on canine obesity in layperson's terms with posters in the waiting room, information sheets, 'before' and 'after' photos, etc.

Involve all staff in the veterinary clinic in the fight against obesity and encourage original initiatives, such as obesity awareness-raising days.