Canine and Feline Obesity

Dear Colleagues,

In the dynamic landscape of companion animal care, the exploration of innovative approaches to address obesity in dogs and cats remains a constant endeavor. This challenge prompts the ongoing evaluation of various factors, including breed, genetics, age, sex, reproductive status, the pet–owner relationship, owners' perceptions, type of diet, frequency of feeding, and environmental influences. Recognizing the critical importance of these aspects, our upcoming Animals Special Issue seeks to shed light on the intricate tapestry of canine and feline obesity.

This Special Issue is dedicated to providing a comprehensive understanding of obesity in companion animals. It aims to delve into a spectrum of potential risk factors influencing obesity development in dogs and cats, with contributors examining the roles of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in the context of weight management. Furthermore, the nuanced interplay of dietary factors, such as the type of diet and frequency of feeding, will be explored, the influence of the environment, encompassing living conditions and lifestyle, as contributing elements to pet obesity will be scrutinized.

We welcome contributions that tackle various themes, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Risk factors and influences in obesity development:
• Genetic, metabolic, and hormonal contributors;
• The impact of reproductive status, age, and breed;
• Behavioral and psychological aspects related to weight management.
• Feeding practices and dietary influences:
• Effects of diet composition, macronutrient balance, and supplementation;
• Feeding frequency, portion control, and meal timing;
• Role of gut microbiome in metabolism and weight regulation.
• Environmental and lifestyle factors:
• Physical activity levels and exercise interventions;
• Influence of pet–owner interactions and household dynamics;
• Role of urbanization and environmental enrichment in obesity prevention.
• Health implications and management strategies:
• Obesity-related comorbidities and long-term health effects;
• Novel weight management strategies, including pharmacological and behavioral interventions;
• Preventive approaches and veterinary recommendations for sustaining healthy body weight.

We invite original research articles and reviews that contribute to the discourse on the causes, consequences, and management strategies of pet obesity. We encourage submissions that offer practical insights into preventive measures and effective management strategies. Through addressing these diverse factors, our collective goal is to deepen the understanding of obesity in companion animals, providing invaluable guidance for both pet owners and veterinary professionals.

We eagerly anticipate and welcome your valuable contributions, which will undoubtedly enrich our exploration of pet obesity and provide actionable insights for the benefit of companion animals.

Dr. Patrícia Massae Oba
Dr. Maria Cattai de Godoy
Dr. Júlia Guazzelli Pezzali
Dr. Márcia De Oliveira Sampaio Gomes
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• companion animals&rsquo
• obesity
• obesity management
• weight management
• obesity-related diseases
• preventive veterinary care
• companion animals&rsquo
• nutrition
• pet-owner relationship
• canine and feline health