IMPACTOS DA OBESIDADE NA SAÚDE DOS CÃES DE COMPANHIA

Abstract

Obesity has been shown to be a major health challenge of the XXI century, affecting humans and dogs, and is related to the decrease in quality of life and to several diseases. In dogs, obesity is caused by factors such as inadequate feeding, sedentary lifestyle, and genetics. This study aims to point out the main causes in a clear and objective way. The selected studies addressed the concept of obesity and overweight, causes and consequences, highlighting the main physiological aspects, as well as the risk factors involved in this condition. Some studies indicate that the cause of obesity and overweight are linked to individual, genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors, causing risks to the health of animals, as it is linked to several metabolic problems. This can result in a decrease both in the quality of life and in the life expectancy of the dog that is overweight. In addition, the relationship between the owner and his animal, who tends to treat and feed his pet as a human, also plays an important role in this context.