Managing pet obesity relies heavily on the active involvement of pet owners; however, a key challenge in reaching this goal arises from misperceptions pet owners have about their pet’s body condition. Researchers of the present study argue that given evolving societal dynamics like the body positivity movement, understanding pet owners’ perceptions about their pets’ weight is increasingly important in assuring that pets receive the appropriate diet and exercise needed.
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Study overview
To evaluate the differences in owners’ perception, researchers in the present study compared the use of verbal and visual body condition score scales versus the established nine-point body condition score system (BCS). Owners of healthy adult dogs and cats attending vaccination consultations in Veterinary Hospitals in France between 2020 and 2022 were recruited. They were required to assess their pets’ body condition initially using an oral description, and then with the nine-point BCS visual scale. Their assessments were then compared with the BCS determined by veterinary health care personnel, considered the primary investigator.
A total of 304 dogs and 270 cats were included in the study. It was observed that 27% of dog owners and 24% of cat owners underestimated their pets’ body condition. Among dog and cat owners, factors associated with the underestimation of body condition were the pets’ overweight status and having children. This discovery emphasizes the need for a holistic One Health approach that prioritizes the health and well-being of both humans and their pets. When it comes to pet owners evaluating their pets’ body condition, underestimation of pets’ weight problem proved to be the predominant misperception. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive education to empower owners to recognize and comprehend their pets’ overweight status, a critical step for the overall well-being of companion animals.
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Conclusion
Misperception of pets’ body condition by owners was estimated to be about 33% for dogs and 37% for cats in France between 2020 and 2022. This study unveiled a significant association between having children and the tendency to underestimate their pets’ body condition. This noteworthy finding underscores the importance of future research to delve deeper into this connection, further contributing to a One Health approach that considers the health and well-being of both humans and their animal companions. The most common form of misperception was underestimation of how overweight their pets were, leading to owners being satisfied with the weight of their overweight pets.
Journal reference: Blanchard T, Hoummady S, Banuls D, Roche M, Bynens A, Meunier M, Dos Santos N, Tissaoui E, Rouch-Buck P, Fantinati M, et al. The Perception of the Body Condition of Cats and Dogs by French Pet Owners and the Factors Influencing Underestimation. Animals. 2023; 13(23):3646. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13233646
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