Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Overweight and obesity is currently a major health problem in our dogs all around the world and it is becoming more common each year. There are few studies on the proportion of overweight dogs in Sweden, but it was estimated to be 33% in 2005. Studies in other countries report that between 25-40% of all dogs are overweight.

The aim of this study was to survey the animal care for an overweight dog. It was also important to develop a scientifically based advice. That would be easy to apply for the owner about the importance of proper exercise and nutrition for these dogs in their home environment.

The conclusion is that it is not enough to point out to the owner that their dog is overweight and something has to be done. Standard homecare instruction where special diets and increased physical activity is recommended are not effective. A home care instruction should be adjusted for the owners and be suitable for the patient's ability, age, needs and expectations. This improves compliance because some dog owners are not able to perform certain activities.

If the veterinary nurse invidualize the weight loss program to meet the owners’ ability, it will result in an improved animal care and the patient will have greather chance of achieving the target weight. The owner has to gain trust in the animal health staff and accept that their dog is overweight. It is the veterinary nurse’s role to motivate the dog owners and make them understand that this problem requires an active intervention from the owner’s side. It is important that they understand the reason why their dog has to eat a special food. It is also important that they understand the reason behind special food, feeding routines and not giving their dog treats or food scraps.

A personal home care instruction based on science-based knowledge with focus on how to motivate the dog owner is the recipe for success.