Weight care pack empowers dog owners to manage their pets’ weight

Sheffield, UK – [Date of Release] – A new study published in Frontiers details the development and preliminary evaluation of a comprehensive weight care pack designed to support dog owners in managing their pets' weight. Recognising the pivotal role owners play in various aspects of their dogs' care, including nutrition, physical activity, and overall interaction, researchers adopted a behavioural science approach focused on educating owners and modifying their behaviour. In a collaborative effort between the University of Sheffield and Purina Europe, who have been working together for over three years, the study leveraged established behavioural change theory, specifically the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour), and integrated valuable owner input to create a practical and accessible intervention that shows promise in supporting dog owners in managing their dogs' weight.

The development of the weight care pack was a collaborative effort guided by insights from veterinary professionals and dog owners. As one owner remarked, “I’m more mindful how many little bits of food she receives throughout the day. We also prefer to play together now.” Another noted, “Since using the pack it became more apparent that he needs to be weighed more regularly.” These experiences highlight the practical impact of the weight care pack, underlining its role in encouraging healthier habits and regular monitoring of canine weight.

Subsequently, six workshops with 28 dog owners refined the initial tools. Participant feedback, combined with the COM-B framework and existing research, shaped the final weight care pack. The pack included a user guide, a body condition score (BCS) assessment tool, a progress journal, a roles and responsibilities planner, a treat calculator infographic, a collar tag indicating dietary restrictions, and “healthy weight care cards” offering alternatives to treat-giving. These tools employed a range of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) strategically targeting the identified COM-B components. The weight care pack's evaluation phase focused on its potential to address the growing issue of pet obesity by influencing owner behaviour (for more info see UK Pet Obesity Report 2024). The study highlighted the importance of owner engagement in managing their dogs' weight and demonstrated that tools like the weight care pack can lead to healthier habits. As pet weight and obesity continue to be a major concern, interventions that empower owners to make informed decisions about feeding, exercise, and interaction are crucial.

This study highlights the promise of a theory-driven, owner-centred approach to tackling canine overweight and obesity. The high acceptability and reported behaviour changes suggest the weight care pack is a valuable tool for empowering owners to manage their dogs' weight. A randomised controlled trial is now warranted to rigorously assess the pack's impact on canine weight and BCS. Further research should investigate integrating the pack into veterinary practice to enhance consultations and owner-veterinarian communication. Exploring remote BCS verification methods, such as owner-submitted photographs, could further strengthen outcome assessment.

Full article: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1483130/full