Researchers looking at the effects of obesity on dogs and brain function

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Queensland researchers are looking for overweight dogs to take part in a new study. That will examine the relationship between gut health and brain function.

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00:00Do you have a chunky pup that you've been overfeeding for years or perhaps giving the

00:06scraps off your table? Well this is an opportunity for you. The University of Queensland is recruiting

00:13overweight Labradors and Golden Retrievers for a new study to look at the connection

00:19between gut health and cognitive ability. Now this is a 28-week study in which the dogs

00:25will be given a meal plan and daily exercise routines as well as an activity tracker like

00:31a Fitbit for a human. Now as the dogs lose weight they'll be tasked with performing cognitive

00:38puzzles through of course being motivated by treats if they complete those puzzles and

00:43they'll also, their owners will be asked to fill out a survey about the dog's behaviour

00:48and cognition. Now at the end of this study the University of Queensland hopes to better

00:53understand that link between gut health and cognition in animals because we know that

00:58in humans it's a very good indicator of overall health. If you are feeling good, if you are

01:04active, then you are likely to have better cognitive outcomes. So if you have an overweight

01:10pet and you've been looking for an excuse to put it on a diet, this is for you.

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