NM04 - Utility of FitBark to Monitor Activity in Obese Dogs Undergoing a Structured Weight Loss Program

Abstract: Background – The obesity epidemic is associated with canine mobility issues. Wearable activity monitors (e.g. FitBark) are increasingly used to evaluate mobility. While weight loss is widely believed to be associated with improved mobility, there are limited studies using activity monitors to examine mobility changes during structured weight loss programs in dogs.Hypothesis/Objectives – This project aimed to examine relationships between weight loss, activity levels, and scores on the validated multidimensional canine quality of life survey (QoL) and Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire. We hypothesized that weight loss would improve QoL and LOAD scores while increasing activity assessed via FitBark. Animals – Twenty-five client-owned obese dogs underwent a 24-week structured weight loss program as part of the Canine SLIM clinical trial. Methods – Owners completed LOAD surveys every 3 weeks and QoL every 12 weeks. Daily activity was tracked with FitBark devices. QoL scores and fold changes of FitBark activity and LOAD scores were examined for changes over time with repeated measures analysis of variance with significance defined as p< 0.05. Results – Weight loss improved physical dimension of QoL scores when comparing baseline to week 24 (Friedman test, p=0.0075). Significant changes in LOAD scores were noted between week 12 to 24 (Holm-Sidak’s test, p< 0.02). No significant differences in weekly FitBark activity were observed.Conclusions/Clinical Importance – These results demonstrate that weight loss improves owner perceived physical QoL while maintaining mobility. The FitBark device provides a user-friendly platform to monitor activity in obese dogs undergoing weight loss.