“He’d Be Happier if He Wasn’t Chonky” – Qualitatively Exploring Canine Obesity Perceptions Using YouTube^™ and Discussion Fora

Figures & data

Table 1. Summary of the forum threads and video comments analyzed.

Summary of forum thread or video content	Number of comments	Source	Reference for quotes
An owner posted a photo of their young dog asking other forum users whether the dog looked overweight and how much the dog should weigh. The responses included how to identify whether a dog is overweight from its appearance, whether young dogs should have a different body condition to adult dogs, and advice on weight reduction.	29	Mumsnet	F1
An owner that noticed their dog was overweight asked for advice on weight reduction. The responses included advice on weight reduction and management and a discussion about how other owners had struggled to keep their own dog a healthy weight.	33	Mumsnet	F2
A concerned owner posted a photo of their puppy asking other forum users if the puppy looked underweight. Responses discussed how to identify a healthy weight dog from appearances and the high prevalence of obesity distorting what is considered normal.	34	Mumsnet	F3
An owner posted asking for weight reduction advice following an overweight diagnosis from their veterinarian. There was then a discussion with the owner about tailoring weight reduction advice to their life and how to recognize if their dog was a healthy weight.	52	Mumsnet	F4
An individual posted about an acquaintance of theirs that had been underfeeding their dog accidentally. A discussion followed about how to decide how much to feed and confusion with following food package guidelines.	18	Mumsnet	F5
A discussion was held about the high prevalence of overweight pets and the possible causes.	88	Mumsnet	F6
An owner requested weight reduction advice. The responses focused on reducing calories consumed and increasing exercise.	22	Mumsnet	F7
An individual posted asking for advice on how to motivate a family member to reduce the weight of their foster dog. A discussion followed about the negative impact of obesity and using shock-tactics to encourage change.	7	Reddit	F8
A poster sought advice and social support during their dog’s weight reduction from other owners also attempting weight reduction.	16	Mumsnet	F9
An owner asked whether their dog could be kept at a healthy weight whilst giving treats daily. A discussion followed about whether dogs can receive treats and be healthy.	11	Mumsnet	F10
A discussion was held about the impact of excess weight on a dog’s physical and mental wellbeing.	27	Mumsnet	F11
A discussion about whether owners, or other factors, cause obesity in their pet dogs.	66	Petforums	F12
An owner requested weight reduction and muscle building advice for an elderly dog. The discussion focused on the importance of exercise and nutrition for weight reduction and muscle gain.	6	Reddit	F13
An owner asked for weight reduction advice for their recently adopted dog with joint problems. A discussion followed about how to exercise dogs with existing joint issues and food restriction for weight reduction.	20	Petforums	F14
An owner asked for advice on how to change their parent’s feeding behavior toward the poster’s dog. The responses discuss who should be responsible for the dog’s care and using shock-tactics in an attempt to stop excessive feeding.	21	Reddit	F15
A documentary-type interview with the fosterers of a dog (described by the presenter as a beagle) followed their weight reduction journey, including a diet and exercise regime, at the end of the video the dog had lost 30% of its starting weight.	1,131	YouTube	V1
A documentary-type interview with the owners of a dog (described by the presenter as a Rottweiler) focused on the dog’s weight, shape, mobility, and diet. The dog was 100% over the average weight for its breed and sex.	124	YouTube	V2
The owners of the dog mentioned in V2 took the dog to a groomer. A disagreement ensued between the owners and the groomer about the dog’s size and the health implications.	63	YouTube	V3
A couple and their adult daughter that shared ownership of three dogs were featured on a TV show where they discussed various aspects of the dog’s care with the presenter. They were told that they had been overfeeding one of their dogs (described by the owner in the video as a Dachshund) and were advised to reduce the dog’s food intake. A disagreement ensued about who was responsible for the dog’s care.	1,007	YouTube	V4
The owners of a dog (described by the owner in the video as a collie) took part in a weight reduction program as part of a TV show. The dog lost 15% of its starting weight and reached the target set by the presenter.	837	YouTube	V5

Figure 1. Factors impacting weight management by owners.

Table 2. Quotes showing the same behaviors could be interpreted as a dog being hungry or greedy.

	Hungry	Greedy
Begging	“If she’s begging at her bowl after she’s eaten then I know she’s still hungry” F9	“The fatter of my dogs is so greedy, she acts like she’s never fed and begs constantly” F9
Stealing food	“He was stealing from the bins he was so hungry” F5	“He’s an awful thief and exceptionally greedy” F2
Looking for food	“If he’s looking for something and goes to his bowl then he must be hungry” F4	“He’s so greedy, always looking for more food” F3