HOW FIT IS YOUR FUR-PAL

A Guide to Giving Your Dog the Best Life Possible

We all know the importance of fitness. We hear about it all the time from our doctors, the media, and even our friends and family. But, I'd venture to guess that most people spend significantly less time thinking about the fitness of their four-legged friends.

I called on local veterinarian Dr. Sarina Barbara, DVM (Dr. B), to provide the most accurate information. Her patients affectionately call her Dr. B, so we will too. Dr. B is an Associate Veterinarian at Florida Wild Veterinary Clinic in DeLand, FL.

To be honest, I hoped Dr. B would give me some cut and dried data. Like, dogs need x amount of exercise per day, or dogs should eat x amount of food per day. Unfortunately, dog breeds are as varied as people are, and no such data exists. Imagine how widely the needs of miniature dog breeds vary from those of herding dogs like Australian Shepherds who were bread to run for hours and hours at a time.

The first and most crucial step in raising a fit dog is maintaining a regular care schedule with a veterinarian in your community. Dogs need regular medical care just as much as we do. If you're not already seeing a veterinarian regularly, now is a great time to start.

Dr. B shared with me that "obesity is a major issue in the United States with pet dogs." As with their owners, dogs need regular exercise and a balanced diet to stay fit and healthy. "Americans generally see food as affection and love, so, unfortunately, that does result in a lot of dogs being overweight and obese," she added. As parents, we find other options than sweet treats to reward good behavior in our children. It's equally important to establish healthy ways to show affection to our pets. Fortunately, for our dogs' well-being, exercise is a great option.

Limiting a dog's calories can be difficult, and it's easy to give in. But we must remember that "people food" can quickly contribute to obesity and other health problems in dogs, but that's just the beginning. The more that you feed your pets people food, the more likely they are to become picky eaters and refuse their kibble in the future. You inadvertently find yourself in an unhealthy cycle where your dog manages their diet, not the other way around. Remember that establishing a responsible diet is an act of love.

You can tell when your dog is out of shape in some of the same ways you can tell if a person is out of shape. Dogs who pant a lot, have a higher respiratory rate, are easily fatigued, and have poor endurance are often out of shape. However, sometimes these symptoms are present due to underlying health issues. If your dog is exercise intolerant, it may be a sign that you need to see a veterinarian and determine whether there are underlying issues at play. However, it's often the case that exercise intolerant animals dread the activity because it will take effort or even make them physically uncomfortable. Haven't we all felt that at one point or another?

It's easy to blame your dogs health on a lack of exercise, but according to Dr. B, "the biggest component is caloric intake." She shared that pet owners commonly try to treat their dogs' fitness with an exercise-only approach, and it never works. Dogs can't get enough exercise to burn enough calories to counteract the rich meals, extra treats, and large portions they've come to expect.

So, the question is, how do we provide a balanced and fit lifestyle for our pups? There are two factors in play. First, it's crucial to follow the recommendations from your veterinarian. They want what's best for your pet and are less swayed by whines for treats and tables scraps. Second, make sure you have a dog whose needs you can meet.

If you live a sedentary lifestyle or leave your pet at home alone for long hours a day, you should avoid getting a high-energy pet that requires a lot of exercise. Smaller dogs can get their exercise needs met with less output making them perfect pets for aging adults. But, it's also important to remember that dogs benefit from socialization. If you cannot provide the exercise your pet needs, consider hiring a dog walker or bringing your dog to a play date facility where they get the exercise and engagement they need.

If you're concerned about your pet getting too much exercise, know that it's possible but not likely. Dogs can experience soreness and exhaustion after overexercising, much like people do. Some things to avoid are extreme sun exposure and dehydration, especially for Florida dogs. If you enjoy taking your pup on long walks in the heat, come prepared with plenty of water and beware of hot sidewalks or pavement. Walk in the grass whenever possible.

"Studies show that dogs who are kept indoors with minimal exposure to sunlight actually experience some degree of depression," shared Dr. B. The same is true of people, which is one of the many reasons dogs are so great for mental health. Getting outdoors in the sunlight a couple of times a day promotes well-being in the pet and their walker. You may think your short walks are minimally beneficial, but even the time spent sniffing has tremendous effects on your pets. Sniffing is a significant component of their exercise because it results in a lot of mental and emotional stimulation. A full walk that involves seeing and smelling new things will tire your dog out fast.

Pet owners don't need to be told how much joy and excitement their dogs add to their lives. But, you might need to be reminded how much your dogs depend on you to make the right decisions about their physical and emotional health. If you have questions about your pet's fitness, speak with your veterinarian. If you'd like to contact Dr. B, you can find her at Florida Wild Veterinary Hospital in DeLand, FL.

Adrienne Freeland is a freelance writer who specializes in helping business owners communicate more clearly. Using skills developed in her former career as a professional fundraiser, Adrienne collaborates with her clients to craft engaging, targeted content.