Ontario Veterinary College professor Sarah Abood was featured in a U.S. News story on canine obesity. A large-scale study from the University of Liverpool says dogs may live shorter lives if they are overweight.

Abood, who was not involved in the research, said the findings support longstanding evidence that dogs and cats carrying extra weight “have significant health risks and that their quality of life can be negatively impacted.”

Individual pets’ caloric needs vary with factors like breed, age, sex and lifestyle.