Effect of physical activity on body condition in Swedish companion dogs

Material and methods Body condition score (BCS, scale 1-9) was assessed in 102 companion dogs (inclusion criteria 1-10 years, max 120 min/week of activities in addition to walks) and owners were interviewed about daily time of walks, activity level of the dog during walks (Low: mostly walk, Medium: trot and some running, High: running) and of additional activities (yes/no). Statistical analysis were performed using a mixed model including age (≤5 years/ >5 years) activity level and additional activity as fixed effects and minutes of walk/day as a continuous variable. Effects were considered significant at p<0.05 and values are presented as lsmeans ± SE.