Introduction.

Obesity is the excessive increase of adipose tissue in the body which is considered a disease that, in the last two decades, has been affecting about 50% of the dog population worldwide.

Objective.

This research aimed to provide scientific information on the prevalence of canine obesity in Manizales and identify some risk factors.

Methodology.

An epidemiological study of obese canines was carried out at the Diego Villegas Toro Veterinary Hospital in the city of Manizales, Department of Caldas. A total of 1,060 cases were collected from January to June 2017. Body condition, on a scale of 1 to 9, was evaluated to determine the degree of obesity. The body condition and obesity degree were analyzed according to breed, gender and age.

Results.

The 24.40% of canines present some degree of obesity. The most obese breeds are Beagle (57.14%), Labrador (46.00%) and Pinscher (27.03%). The adult dogs followed by the senile dogs are the most obese. There is a statistical association between body condition and the breed (p=0.001) and age (p=0.001) variables, but there is not statistical association between body condition and gender (p = 0.30). Statistical association was found of obesity with the breed (p=0.05), age (p=0.007) and gender (p=0.002). Prevalence of obesity was lower than that reported in countries such as the United States, France, China and Spain.

Conclusions.

The breed and the age are risk factors for the appearance of obesity. Beagle, Labrador, Pinscher, Pitbull, Poodle and Mestizo breeds are the most susceptible to obesity as well as adult animals, followed by senile dogs. It is important to carry out research on the prevalence in other regions of the country.

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