Vol. 8, Issue 7 (2019)

Author(s):
Harneet Kour, Rajesh Agrawal, Ravdeep Singh and Nishi Pande

Abstract:
A study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and the risk factors involved for overweight and obesity in Labrador retriever dogs presented at SKUAST-J in Jammu, J&K through socio-demographic profile of pet owners and pet lifestyle questionnaire. Using multinomial logistic regression the association between obesity and individual risk factors, were calculated (reference category - normal dogs with BCS = 3.0). In Labrador retriever dogs (n=124), the prevalence of obesity was 50.81%. Out of these 50.81% obese dogs, the higher prevalence and potential risk factors for obesity were middle age, female gender and neutering, indoor lifestyle, non-vegetarian and mixed non-vegetarian and vegetarian diet, homemade+commercial diet, snacking and ad libitum feeding practices; urban areas, lack of exercise, independent housing and single dog household. Among owner’s factors were older age, retired, overweightedness, higher income, lack of awareness of ideal body weight and risk of obesity, less time spending and dog taken care of by person other than family members.