Diagnosis and management of obesity in dogs: a review* Diagnóstico y manejo de la obesidad en perros: una revisión Diagnóstico e manejo da obesidade em cães: revisão

Obesity is defined as an excessive accumulation of fat in the adipose tissue of the body which results from an inappropriate consumption of energy and protein leading to a positive energy balance. Excess weight and obesity affect about 25% of dogs, a percentage that may vary between 20 and 45% of the dog population presenting for consultation in centers and veterinary clinics in several Western countries and Australia. Obesity is thus considered a nutritional disease common in companion animals (dogs and cats). Risk factors associated with obesity include genetics, breed, age, physical activity, the type of food consumed, and castration, amongst others. This review intends to address the problem of obesity, its risk factors in dogs and cats and their comprehensive management. Additionally, a simple procedure is proposed for establishing the precise quantity of daily food to be provided to each patient according to their physiological condition. Abstract