The Perception of the Body Condition of Cats and Dogs by French Pet Owners and the Factors Influencing Underestimation.

ABSTRACT: Managing pet obesity relies heavily on the active involvement of owners; however, a key challenge arises from misperceptions about their own pet's body condition. Given evolving societal dynamics like the body positivity movement, understanding owners' perceptions is increasingly pivotal. To evaluate the differences in owners' perception, this study compared the use of verbal and visual body condition score scales versus the established nine-point body condition score system. The factors linked to underestimation were further specifically investigated. 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

SUBMITTER: Blanchard T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10705725 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature