Self-reported knowledge and practices of dog owners regarding canine overweight: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey

Excess body weight (overweight or obesity) is among the most common nutritional conditions in dogs and is frequently associated with an imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure. Its detection and management depend on owners' recognition and management of their pets' body condition. This study aimed to assess dog owners' self-reported knowledge and practices regarding excess body weight and to identify the factors associated with it. An online questionnaire was administered to 122 dog owners between November 2024 and January 2025. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and ordered regression, with a significance level of 5% (p ≤ 0.05). Excess body weight was observed in 46.7% of the dogs, accompanied by a high frequency of daily snack offerings. Although 100% of owners recognized the health risks associated with excess weight, and 92.6% acknowledged the importance of veterinary supervision for management, some reported practices appeared to be inconsistent with this knowledge, such as ad libitum feeding and poor adherence to professional advice. Significant correlations were observed between body condition score and both the animal's size and the frequency of snack offerings. Regression analysis showed that owners' time spent at home, as well as dogs' age, sex, breed type, and type of food, were associated with body condition score. Despite expressed theoretical knowledge, some potentially suboptimal practices were reported. Ongoing educational efforts and collaborative management strategies involving both owners and professionals are essential and may support improvements in management practices and improve dogs' health and quality of life.