Yesterday we promised to give you some tips to help your Fat Pooch with his/her pouch! So, we’re going to talk about the dreaded D & E – Diet and Exercise!!
It can be hard to determine if your pet is actually overweight, particularly if your dog is of a heavier set breed. So ask your vet to do an evaluation of your pet’s height and weight. Your vet should be able to recommend an ideal weight for your dog at each stage of development. Generally, up to 15% above the optimal weight is considered overweight, and over 15% is considered obese. And, just as you should do for yourself, weigh your pet regularly – once per week or once per month.
While some breeds are more prone to obesity than others, it’s generally us, the owner, that is making our dog fat! We just can’t resist those puppy dog eyes!! Below are some key points to consider, beginning with Diet.
- Keep track of everything your dog eats throughout the day. This includes treats, snacks, biscuits the kids and neighbours give him/her!
- Try reducing portions. Your vet may be able to make a recommendation as to how many calories your dog needs to lose and then maintain an ideal weight.
- Ask your vet about diet dog food. Look for one that is high in fiber – it will help your dog feel full more quickly. Introduce it slowly – mixing in small portions with the regular food at first – and gradually increasing.
- Treats and snacks are o.k. – just don’t overdo it.
Now on to Exercise. It’s common knowledge, and research shows, that when pet owners exercise with their dog, they tend to stick to the program. And, the benefits of exercise for both you and your dog are numerous!
In addition to burning calories (which helps with weight loss), increased stamina, lower blood pressure, improved muscle tone and bone density, exercise also helps lower the risk of depression and common behavioral problems.
There are several ways to add exercise into your dog’s daily routine – walking, jogging, hiking, cycling, swimming, roller-blading….or simply playing fetch. You can even set up your own agility obstacle course at a dog park or playground. Use the benches or some small logs, the swings, teetertollers, and some soft-weight balls or Frisbees to throw around. Be creative!
Here are some suggestions to keep you on track with your exercise program:
- Set realistic goals , considering other commitments and obligations in your life such as work, family, etc.
- Try and set aside a specific time of the day. Particularly in the summer months, it’s important to run during cooler times of the day, as a dog can’t cool itself down by sweating.
- Ease into an exercise program with your pet. Begin slowly, and gradually increase your speed, distance, intensity. And, just like us, pets need a warm up, cardio segment and cool down. A 5-minute warm-up, followed by 20-30 minutes of cardio, and then a 5-minute cool-down is sufficient. You can increase the cardio time as you and your pet get fitter.
- Hydration (lots of water) is important before, during, and after your workout – for both you and your dog. Short-faced breeds are more susceptible to dehydration, as they tend to not be able to pant efficiently.
- Modify yours and your dog’s workout if necessary. Even older pets, or pets with health issues such as lung, heart or inflammation can still exercise with you, with a modified workout. For senior dogs especially, exercise increases strength and flexibility.
- How do you know if you’re exercising too hard, or not hard enough? You should be breathing hard, but able to carry on a conversation, and your dog should be panting to some degree. However, you should not be totally out of breath, and your dog should not be panting excessively.
- Both you and your dog should consult a health professional before beginning any exercise and diet plan. Your vet can address any underlying health issues with regards to your dog.
So, the key here is to be aware of what, when and how much you’re feeding your pooch, and find physical activities which you and/or your family can enjoy with your pet! Trust me, you will be rewarded by how great you both feel…and look!!!
Winter is in full swing. The chilliness and crisp air makes it difficult to not only get into shape, but to stay in shape. With the excuse of, “it’s the holidays,” long behind us, we need to look to the future… the summer. This means getting you and your pet fit. Here are five easy ideas for you to stay active with your pet until the spring rain washes your winter blues away.
