University of Queensland researchers are looking for overweight dogs to take part in a study examining the effects of obesity. The animals will be given a tailored exercise program, and a collar to track their activity as part of the 28-week study.
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00:00Coming in to hit the scales, two-year-old Archie loves his food a bit too much.
00:10He has a Labrador face, so I guess for us it's quite easy to give him whatever food he wants, needs, desires.
00:19Hi, how you doing?
00:22Amara Schultz jumped at the chance for her dog to take part in the study for overweight labs and golden retrievers.
00:29I saw the research project come up and I thought, I have a Labrador and I have an overweight Labrador.
00:37We probably all have crossed paths with a bit of a curvy dog and found that it was a very cute little dog, but it has some health implication on the long term.
00:47Where are we going, buddy?
00:48For the next seven months they're given a diet plan and researchers will use doggy Fitbits to track their exercise.
00:56It gives an indication of the intensity of the activity, so are they playing, are they walking, what are they doing?
01:02The relationship between gut health and brain function is a key area of research.
01:08That is well studied in humans, but really not well known in dogs.
01:12One in three Australian dogs is overweight and one in ten obese, but owners may not realise.
01:18If you think your pooch has packed on the pounds, talk to your vet to come up with a plan.
01:23I think they are able to come up with a plan.
01:24That is well said.
01:25I think we are actually trying to come up with a plan.