Risk factors of pet obesity: The human animal bond
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Pet obesity is a rapidly growing problem. The behaviour of owners towards their pets is a major factor. Four pet owner types are identified with advise on how veterinarians can work with each to manage food intake in cats and dogs.
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Risk factors of pet obesity: The human animal bond
- 1. Risk Factors of Obesity: The Human - Animal Bond Dr. Sandra McCune WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition
- 2. Overview • What’s the problem? • Understanding the human-animal bond • Impact of the bond on owner feeding behaviour • Managing owner risk factors for pet obesity • Supporting healthy body weight management
- 3. At the core of our purpose ABETTER WORLD FOR PETS is making healthy, safe, nutritious and tasty foods that pets love. We strive to make the lives of pets better by putting their needs first and encouraging pet owners to do the same. We believe that pets make the world better for people, so we are commited to our purpose, to create: ABETTER WORLD FOR PETS. ABOUT MARS PETCARE A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS
- 4. Mars Petcare science and services
- 5. What’s the problem? All statistics calculated by the Banfield Applied Research and Knowledge Team based on 2.5 million dogs and 505,000 cats seen at Banfield Hospitals in 2016.
- 6. How did pets get so overweight? Over the last 10 years we’ve seen an increase in overweight pets All statistics calculated by the Banfield Applied Research and Knowledge Team based on 2.5 million dogs and 505,000 cats seen at Banfield Hospitals in 2016.
- 7. Owners of overweight pets spend more on pet healthcare All statistics calculated by the Banfield Applied Research and Knowledge Team based on 2.5 million dogs and 505,000 cats seen at Banfield Hospitals in 2016.
- 8. Why do pets become overweight? All statistics calculated by the Banfield Applied Research and Knowledge Team based on 2.5 million dogs and 505,000 cats seen at Banfield Hospitals in 2016.
- 9. • Owners may know the rationale about energy in/energy out • They may understand the health implications of their pet being overweight or obese • But just like many overweight people understand the rationale but fail to change their behaviour, so too with pet owners. Supporting owners to manage healthy weight in their pets Photo credit: Shutterstock
- 10. Supporting owners to manage healthy weight in their pets • Given owners may not be very good at recognising when their pet becomes overweight, tools to support that conversation and to monitor weight change over time can be useful
- 11. BUT there remains another factor • Understanding what behaviour or beliefs the owner brings to the relationship with their pet • May pose a risk for pet obesity or a risk of sabotage to their pet’s return to its healthy weight Photo credit: Adobestock
- 12. What is the Human-Animal Bond? …a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals that is influenced by behaviours that are essential to the health and well-being of both. - Definition of the Human-Companion Animal Bond (HCAB) taken from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) 2006 The bond includes, but is not limited to emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, animals, and the environment. The veterinarian’s role in the human-animal bond is to maximize the potential of this relationship between people and animals and specifically to promote the health and well-being of both Photo credit: Shutterstock
- 13. Our relationship with cats has changed over time Feral Pet Family member Mismatch between needs of the cat and our changing relationship can impact cats - from outdoor to indoor - from pest control to family member Photo credits: Shutterstock
- 14. Our relationship with dogs has changed over time Yard Pet Family member Mismatch between needs of the dog and our changing relationship can impact dogs - from outdoor to indoor to on the bed - from functional to family member Photo credits: Shutterstock
- 15. Relevance of the bond to client behaviour • Very little research on the role of the human-animal bond on perceptions, compliance and outcomes of veterinary care • Study1 commissioned by industry taskforce including Mars Pet Care • Banfield Pet Hospitals & Mars Symbioscience • 2000 dog & cat owners across USA interviewed by phone in 2006 1Lue, Pantenburg & Crawford 2008, JAVMA Vol. 232 (4) Feb 15: 531-540
- 16. Top indicators of the owner-pet bond1 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Would spend any amount necessary to keep pet healthy Considers pet a child Often buys gifts for pet Misses pet when owner away from home % Cat Owners % Dog Owners * *significantly higher value for dog owners compared with cat owners 1Lue, Pantenburg & Crawford 2008, JAVMA Vol. 232 (4) Feb 15: 531-540
- 17. Owner attachment to the pet influences • Level of care a pet receives • Client compliance with instructions of the veterinarian • Clinical outcomes The bond impacts successful veterinary practice1 1Lue, Pantenburg & Crawford 2008, JAVMA Vol. 232 (4) Feb 15: 531-540 Photo credit: Shutterstock
- 18. • MacCoby & Martin model1 of parenting styles • Authoritarian • Authoritative • Indulgent • Neglecting Parallels between parenting and pet ownership styles Parenting model needs to be adapted for pet ownership styles2 1MacCoby E & Martin (1983) J. Handbook of Child Psychology: 1-101 2Nicklas T. Obesity Proceedings, WALTHAM International Nutritional Sciences Symposium, 2013 Photo credit: Shutterstock
- 19. 1. MacCoby E & Martin (1983) J. Handbook of Child Psychology:1-101 2. Ewering (2017) Owners with obese pets. FOCUS. Vol. 27(2): 40-46 Weight management strategies may be more successful if tailored to Owner Type • Pet owner styles2 • Authoritarian • Authoritative • Indulgent • Uninvolved • Parenting Styles1 • Authoritarian • Authoritative • Indulgent • Neglecting
- 20. 1. Ewering (2017) Owners with obese pets. FOCUS. Vol. 27(2): 40-46 Authoritarian Generally: The owners are very consistent; they appropriately take care of – or rather control – the pet’s nutrition, and they have clear rules regarding what the pet can do and cannot do An example from dinner time: The owner sends the pet to his/her place. Later, the owner puts pet food in the bowl and then insists the animal waits until he/she is allowed to eat. Owner typology influences approach to feeding1
- 21. Authoritative Generally: The owners are very consistent e.g. they never provide scraps from the table while they are eating, and they feed their pet at the same time each day An example from dinner time: The owner sends the pet to his/her place with clear but friendly words. After a while, pet food is offered in the food bowl. Owner typology influences approach to feeding1 1. Ewering (2017) Owners with obese pets. FOCUS. Vol. 27(2): 40-46
- 22. Indulgent Generally: Feeding is determined by the pet. The owner always selects the ‘best’ pet food and applies few or no limits; they love to indulge their pets An example from dinner time: The owner tells the pet that he/she is a ‘good pet’ and that ‘he loves him/her’. He offers the animal the best pieces of meat from his own plate Owner typology influences approach to feeding1 1. Ewering (2017) Owners with obese pets. FOCUS. Vol. 27(2): 40-46
- 23. Uninvolved Generally: The owners feeds the pet at different times each day, and can sometimes forget to feed the animal or to buy pet food. He feeds different amounts of food depending on what is available An example from dinner time: The owner ignores the pet during dinner. Later, he feeds whatever food is available Owner typology influences approach to feeding1 1. Ewering (2017) Owners with obese pets. FOCUS. Vol. 27(2): 40-46
- 24. Approach can be tailored to owner type 1.Ewering (2017) Owners with obese pets. FOCUS. Vol. 27(2): 40-46
- 25. Approach can be tailored to owner type 1.Ewering (2017) Owners with obese pets. FOCUS. Vol. 27(2): 40-46 Establishing a new feeding regime • Calculate the recommended energy intake • Calculate the recommended amount of food based on the manufacturer’s nutritional information • Calculate the proportion of dry food that can be used for praise or during play • Calculate the energy intake for snacks per day/week that fit within the programme • The calculated amount of food is weighed in the practice • The recommended amount of food is marked on a measuring cup and on the pet’s bowl • If required, recommend a smaller bowl • Fill a container with the recommended amount of treats and extras for one week. Explain that the container should only be refilled once per week • The practice calculates a balanced amount of the food most frequently provided • Recommend the amount of food that should be purchased weekly or monthly • Suggest a range of measuring cups or containers that can be used with a kitchen scales • Provide monthly check-ups and reminders • Provide incentives • Provide regular check-in calls • Provide incentives • Offer opportunities for owners following pet weight management protocols to meet and provide each other with support • Provide and explain the use of a feeding diary and weighing card • Build regular check-ups into the programme
- 26. Approach can be tailored to owner type 1.Ewering (2017) Owners with obese pets. FOCUS. Vol. 27(2): 40-46 Increasing pet activity
- 27. The challenge of Begging behaviour We are hard wired to respond to our pets begging Photo credits: Shutterstock
- 28. • Retention by adults of juvenile traits • Selective breeding of domestic dog for specific traits • Large eyes, rounded forehead, large ears, shortened muzzle Theoretical Basis of the Bond: Neotony1 1. Beck & Katcher (1996) Between pets and people. Purdue Univ Press: 168-171 Photo credit: Shutterstock
- 29. Frequency of Begging 29 Q7. How often does your pet beg? Three out of five pet owners have a pet that begs all of the time or often1. 17% 18% 16% 43% 46% 40% 33% 31% 34% 8% 6% 10% Total respondents (n=400) Dog owners (n=200) Cat owners (n=200) All of the time Often Rarely Never BASE: Total Respondents (n=400) 1. IPSOS report for Royal Canin (2014) Satiety Consumer Study
- 30. What the Pet Wants When it Begs 30 Q12. What do you think your pet wants when it is begging? Select all that apply. 56% 44% 41% 26% 26% 10% 51% 58% 39% 25% 15% 12% 60% 28% 43% 27% 37% 8% Attention People food Pet treats Playtime Its own food Exercise Total respondents (n=369) Dog owners (n=189) Cat owners (n=180) BASE: Respondents with pets that beg Most often, pet owners believe pets want attention when begging1 Dogs are more likely to want people food compared to cats, while cats are more likely to want their own food1 1. IPSOS report for Royal Canin (2014) Satiety Consumer Study
- 31. Meeting the pet’s needs Managing body weight without diminishing the bond • Training • Feeding enrichment • Physical activity • Stroking and petting Photo credit: Shutterstock Photo credits: Ingrid Johnson & Leticia Dantas
- 32. Feeding Enrichment Photo credits: Ingrid Johnson, Leticia Dantas and Mikel Delgado Photo credits: Mikel Delgado
- 34. Summary: owner factors in risk of obesity • Indulgence combined with some breeds’ genetics • Many owners fail to recognise when their own pet is overweight. • Standardised tools will support conversations with clients on healthy weight management • Understanding of ownership styles may lead to more successful weight management strategies
- 35. Thank you for listening Any questions? Photo credit: Shutterstock
Editor's Notes
- Mars highlights
- But the UK figures may be even higher. The most recent figures highlighted by Alex German in his letter to The Vet Record estimate up to 75% of US/UK cats and dogs are thought to be overweight or obese Between June 2016 and October 2017, dog owners attending seven different family pet shows in five UK locations consented to their dog having a body condition score assessment by a team of experienced veterinary nurses. Data from 1100 adult (≥24 months) and 516 juvenile (<24 months) dogs were available for analysis. In adult dogs, 74% (715) were either overweight or obese (99) In juveniles, 40% (190) were overweight (37) or obese (16) Ref: German, A., Woods, G.R.T., Holden, S.L., Brennan, L. & Burke, C. (2018) Dangerous trends in pet obesity Veterinary Record 2018 182: 25 doi: 10.1136/vr.k2
- In the UK, Obesity has consistently been identified as one of the top three welfare concerns veterinary professionals have for dogs since the first PAW Report from the PDSA in 2011. So it’s a problem for the animal’s health and welfare. The good news as we have been hearing that it is possible to redress although prevention is always best
- One estimate indicates that an additional $2,026/year for dogs is spent on obesity related conditions One estimate indicates that an additional $1,178/year for cats is spent on obesity related conditions
- Paint scenario from The Conversation Veterinarians can be a trusted source of information on feeding and nutrition, but a recent study found that weight management is discussed only once in every hundred veterinary consultations. Participant responses indicated that a pet’s weight was a difficult topic to address in direct conversation; this may be partly due to the worry that it will be embarrassing and could even potentially lose a client. Ref: Rolph N, Noble P, German A. How often do primary care veterinarians record the overweight status of dogs? J Nutr Sci 2016 2014;3:e58.
- Paint scenario from The Conversation Veterinarians can be a trusted source of information on feeding and nutrition, but a recent study found that weight management is discussed only once in every hundred veterinary consultations. Participant responses indicated that a pet’s weight was a difficult topic to address in direct conversation; this may be partly due to the worry that it will be embarrassing and could even potentially lose a client. Ref: Rolph N, Noble P, German A. How often do primary care veterinarians record the overweight status of dogs? J Nutr Sci 2016 2014;3:e58.
- Paint scenario from The Conversation Veterinarians can be a trusted source of information on feeding and nutrition, but a recent study found that weight management is discussed only once in every hundred veterinary consultations. Participant responses indicated that a pet’s weight was a difficult topic to address in direct conversation; this may be partly due to the worry that it will be embarrassing and could even potentially lose a client. Ref: Rolph N, Noble P, German A. How often do primary care veterinarians record the overweight status of dogs? J Nutr Sci 2016 2014;3:e58.
- Our relationship with cats has changed throughout the centuries. Cats have been deified in ancient Egypt but also tortured in Medieval Europe. Origins of relationship as pest control and coincides with the beginning of settled agriculture. At this time man would have begun to store food and grain and cats would have been beneficial in the reduction of rodent numbers. It is thought that cats were initially tolerated by humans due to their rodent killing nature. But over time, cats started to be kept as pets. We discovered that if kittens were socialised they could make friendly pets. In more recent times they are recognised by many as family members The changing nature of companion animal-human relationships also affects behavior, with animals increasingly integrated into the home and family through shared everyday rituals such as sleeping in human beds or celebrating the animal’s birthday (Mosteller, 2008). Differences in owner typology impact on interaction with their cat and how they view and use feeding within that relationship
- Our relationship with dogs has changed throughout the centuries. Dogs originally had a more utilitarian role. EXTEND STORY OF ORIGINS Recent trends in pet-keeping are sometimes summarized as the progression of pets from “outside in the yard” to “inside the home” to “on the bed”. This closer co-habitation has facilitated the development of strong, emotionally rewarding relationships between people and pets However, each relationship is unique, and individual owners will vary in how they interact with their pet, including the way they use food, both as a point of contact and to express their attachment to their pet
- Statistical analysis: Mixed methods For testing for differences between means and between percentages, t tests and Z tests were used, respectively. For examining relationships between variables measured with scales or numeric values, multiple regression analyses were used. Relationships between variables measured with nominal values as the independent variable (eg, male or female; dog or cat) were examined by use of an ANOVA. Relationships between variables measured with nominal values as both the independent and dependent variable (eg, male or fe-male; dog or cat) were examined by use of the χ2 test and proportional reduction in error (eg, τ and λ). For finding underlying common dimensions in groups of variables measured with scales or numeric values and constructing the indices, factor analysis was used. For all comparisons, a value of P < 0.05 was considered significant.
- But pet’s fundamental nature and needs haven’t changed much while our expectations have. Can lead to potential misunderstanding, conflict and ultimately a break down of the relationship Work with Alex German and Nienke Edenburg drew from work on parenting styles and how typology impacts interaction with their child. 4 types widely recognised (Maccoby and Martin, 1983): Authoritarian Authoritative Indulgent Neglecting Applied to owners and their ownership style with their pets. We wanted to explore how communication might be improved on weight management. Would it be useful to look at how vets might adapt communication with the client on managing healthy weight according to their ownership style?
- In our survey of 124 vets, 85% agreed that this approach to characterising owner styles appeared to be reasonable. The Indulgent type of owner was most frequently recognised in veterinary practice. Almost all (98%) agreed that the owner style is linked to the likelihood of a pet becoming overweight. The Indulgent type was most commonly reported by vets (up to 40% of clients), followed by the Authoritative type (28-30%). The Authoritarian type was reported as rarely occurring, and the Uninvolved even less frequently. Weight management strategies may be more successful if tailored to owner type: The overall approach taken by the vet In the type of information an owner seeks to make a decision Varying the approach to a new feeding regime The type of support offered by the vet to increase the pet’s physical activity More info in recent paper in FOCUS journal
- Give example from The Conversation fitness instructor with a fat pet
- Puzzle feeders
- An overweight 8 year old male cat who lost 20% of his body weight after food puzzle implementation over a 12 month period. Mix of bought and homemade puzzle feeders
- Some pet owners’ indulgence combined with some breeds’ genetics increases the risk of obesity Although up to a third of dogs and cats in developed countries are estimated to be overweight or obese, many owners do not recognise when this is true of their own pet. Weight management can therefore be a sensitive topic in veterinary practice An understanding of pet ownership styles, and their potential role in the current pet obesity epidemic, may help the clinician to better design and address weight management strategies and programmes Adopting standardised protocols for diagnosis and recommendations will help to improve the communication process between the healthcare team and pet owners and ensure that clients receive consistent information.