{"id":8516,"date":"2023-02-15T14:59:03","date_gmt":"2023-02-15T14:59:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/?p=8516"},"modified":"2023-09-04T19:29:09","modified_gmt":"2023-09-04T18:29:09","slug":"why-your-dogs-weight-matters-our-first-research-paper-is-live","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/why-your-dogs-weight-matters-our-first-research-paper-is-live\/","title":{"rendered":"Why your dog\u2019s weight matters – our first research paper is live!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Our vision at tails.com has always been to improve the lives of dogs and their owners. Tailor-made nutrition is part of that mission, but our experience in feeding over 250,000 dogs also allows us to study canine wellbeing in a unique way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So how do we do that? Well, behind the scenes, our team of experts have been hard at work on a very exciting project\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our first research paper is live<\/a>!<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Lead Data Scientist Lorna, Head Vet Sean & Vet Team Intern Marie have been working together on our very first research paper analysing data from over 200,000 dogs. A detailed investigation into the relationship between body weight, condition and longevity, including 20 of the most popular dog breeds owned by tails.com customers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The results are in<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In almost all of the breeds studied, life expectancy was lower with an overweight body condition<\/strong> compared to an ideal condition. Confirming that a healthy weight really does promote a longer life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur study clearly shows a correlation between increasing body weight and condition score, and declining longevity. In effect, it suggests that maintaining pet dogs at an ideal body condition and weight will help them to live longer.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em>– Dr Sean McCormack Head Vet, tails.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst these results might not come as a surprise, this study does provide an important reminder of just how important<\/em> it is to watch our dog\u2019s waistline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, in some breeds, an ideal body condition was found to increase lifespan by 9 – 10 months.<\/strong> That\u2019s almost a full year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sean and the team also found that some breeds are more at risk than others, with Miniature Dachshunds twice as likely to experience a shortened lifespan if overweight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Miniature Dachshunds? Well, the Dachshund has been bred to achieve that signature appearance –  a long back and short legs. This makes them more prone to spinal issues, like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), especially when they are overweight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to see the full research paper? Read it here<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s clear that controlling our dog\u2019s food intake and ensuring they get appropriate exercise is a vital part of their care. To maximise their quality of life, and the precious years we get to share with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So how can we be sure they\u2019re at a healthy weight?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping your dog in tip-top shape<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n