Tips for helping your pet lose weight in a healthy way!
Recent studies have shown that one in four dogs are obese- thats not a good ratio! Considering some families have four dogs or more, I would say many families and pets must be affected. So lets explore a few ways to facilitate weight loss for your pet…
First, think about what all the famous diet programs tell you- eating smaller meals throughout the day is better than having three large heavy meals in a day. When your pet is obese, its important to try a diet food, my recommendation is checking with your vet for some options. I know from my own vet tech experience that vets can prescribe diet food for your pet, or you can check the aisles for whatever food you already feed, and get the lower calorie version. Since you are giving a diet food you may feel like you can give them more- this is not the case! Just like for us, eating a whole tray of low fat cookies is still eating a whole tray of cookies! And we can’t have that!
Also, make sure everyone in your house, including visitors, knows that your pet can no longer have any treats or table scraps to ruin its new healthy lifestyle. It does your pet no good to put them on diet food if they are receiving the rest of their calories at your dinner table.
Pets are like people when it comes to exercise. You wouldn’t go to the gym for the first time in quite a while and run for 45 minutes, lift weights and do a spin class! You would be lying on the floor in about ten minutes! Well, comparatively, so would your dog. To ensure that your pet is getting a good workout and not overdoing it, start out slow! Don’t take them on a four mile jog when they haven’t even had a walk in a month. Begin with short walks, and over time extend the time you are walking and increase your speed. Once your pet has gotten used to the daily walks, you can try to jog with them- make sure that your pet can handle that kind of exertion, and that they have seen a vet and had a healthy check up. And always watch for signs of sunstroke, or dehydration, and fatigue, by being aware of the signs your pet is giving you. Rapid breaths, halted moving, laying down-these are all signs that the pet is overexerted and the exercise needs to cease.
These are some simple tips that will really help you begin to walk down a healthier path with your pet. Like dieting for people, its better to have everyone in your home aware of the diet and supporting it! Lets make sure your pet is getting the healthy food and exercise it deserves!
Pool exercise for older pets
When you have an older pet, you have to think about hip displasia, tired bones, and lack of exercise because they tend to grow tired much easier as they grow older. To help your pet move those tired muscles, you can do slow exercise in the pool. I always recommend teaching your pets how to swim, especially if you have a pool. That way, you will know if your pet falls into the pool while you aren’t home, that they know how to at least get to the side and get out safely. For your older pets, just holding their stomachs while they slowly paddle can really be exercise. It can help them get the workout they need while not forcing them to run fast or do things that younger dogs can do. If you feel like you can’t do this yourself or need help, contact me!
Training helps curb problem behaviors!
Well, if your going to have a pet, don’t you think both of you should be happy about it?!! Its not all one sided!! Anyone can see a happy dog. And a dog that exercises with its owner is much less likely to have behavior problems. Maybe its the one on one attention they get from their best pal, the one with the treats! Or maybe its because they are just too pooped from all of that fun exercising they’ve been doing- but while they are laying down tired, they AREN’T getting into the garbage, or into your food, etc. Another benefit is that these activities can be a big energizing boost for owners and their dogs. I always have a smile on my face when I walk a pet. What else is more simple, and yields such great results?:D
Swimming made fun AND safe!
Ok, so I know I am a broken record with the whole exercise with your pet thing. I assure you, its for good reason!! With as hot as it is lately, swimming with your pet is a great option to burn calories, and tire them out for the day. Of course, you can get involved as well and play a lively game of catch from one end to the next-you’ll be huffing and puffing before you know it! I always have fun throwing Dude’s tennis ball into the deep end-he’ll burn so many calories to get that ball!! Talk about a workout! And, if you are enjoying swimming in a lake with your pet, its always important to keep an eye on them to make sure they aren’t getting too tired, or short of breath. Also to keep it safe, you can also have your pet wear a doggie lifevest, or whats called Ruff Wear K-9 float coat. And, of course, make sure your pet is vaccinated before taking them to an area like a lake with a lot of pet traffic. This way, you ensure that your pet is getting a great workout, safely! Enjoy the heat while we have it, and make sure your pet does too!
Easy Exercise for you, fun for your pet!
Alright you active people!! Get your bikes, get your dogs, get set………….GO!!! Now, I am one for ensuring that your pet has enough exercise each day to get tired…the kind of tired that makes them sleep and not bug you throughout the night!! One way to do this is to go biking with your dog. Of course, this goes for the well trained dogs, and I really recommend using a harness in replacement of a leash for this exercise to lessen the chances of your dog getting choked or hurt during the bike ride. As long as you are comfortable on a bike, your dog is comfortable with a harness and a lead, you both are in for a fun healthy afternoon!….or morning, with this heat! Of course, don’t try this if your dog has not been properly leash trained, and of course, make sure that you are bike trained!! I find, with any workout, variety is the spice!!
any other suggestions you have, tried and true?Let me know!! Comment me!
