Incorporation of exercise, using an underwater treadmill, and active client education into a weight management program for obese dogs

作者：Chauvet Anne; Laclair Jim; Elliott Denise A; German Alexander J^*

来源：Canadian Veterinary Journal, 2011, 52(5): 491-496.

Physical activity improves outcome of weight loss in obese humans, but limited information exists for dogs Eight obese dogs (body condition score 5/5), of various breeds and genders, undertook a 3-month weight-loss program which included exercise using lead walks and underwater treadmill exercise. The median number of treadmill exercise sessions per dog was 13 (range: 5 to 17). Median distance walked per session was 0.97 km (range: 0.05 to 2.7 km) (0.6 miles; range: 0.03 to 1.70 miles) and this increased sequentially over the course of the study (P < 0.001). [+/- Mean standard deviation (s)] percentage of starting weight loss over the 3 mo was 18.9 +/- 5.44%, equivalent to a rate of weight loss of 1.5 +/- 0.43% per week. Thoracic and abdominal girth also declined significantly during the program (P < 0.0001 for both). This study demonstrates the potential benefit of including an organized exercise regimen, utilizing an underwater treadmill, in conventional canine weight management programs.

• 出版日期2011-5