Get Your Dog in Shape

Humans are not the only animals that may get a bit pudgy around the middle and tip the scale in the wrong direction. Man’s best friend can also pack on some extra pounds, necessitating a workout plan to get back into shape.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, fifty-three percent of adult dogs in the United States are classified as overweight or obese by their veterinarians. Yet, pet owners are sometimes unaware that their prized pooches are overweight.

Overweight dogs and cats face some of the same health risks as overweight men and women. Musculoskeletal problems, such as degenerative joint diseases, and back problems have been linked to obesity, as have heart disease and respiratory problems. Diabetes and heat or exercise intolerance are other side effects of being overweight.

But a pet’s weight is not the lone indicator of how healthy the animal is, and the ideal weight can vary from dog to dog. A body condition score is helpful in determining a pet’s ideal body weight. Some indications a dog may not be at a healthy weight include:

• a belly that hangs below the rib cage area

• a belly that moves when the dog moves, unless the dog is pregnant or has just given birth

• inability of the owner or vet to feel the dog’s ribs in the rib cage

• a waddle of skin on the neck of the dog, where excess skin isn’t indicative of the breed

• no visual indication of the dog’s waist

• inability of the owner or vet to feel the bones near the base of the tail

• a less active lifestyle, including avoiding exercise and play

• excessive panting

Keeping a dog in shape is one of the best things an owner can do for its’ pet. But what if the dog already has packed on a few unnecessary pounds? It’s time to start a canine fitness routine and follow some other guidelines.

Talk to the pet’s veterinarian. Obesity could be the result of eating too much or inactivity, but it also can be a sign of a serious condition. If a routine exam and blood work come up normal, then a plan can be started for helping Fido shed the weight.

Consider a new food. There are many different types of foods on the market, including low-calorie options. Some foods contain extra fiber to help the dog feel fuller without having eaten as much. Also, look for foods with lean protein sources without grains and other fillers.

Break up the feeding schedule. Instead of one large meal a day, feed the dog two or three smaller portions of food, which will help keep the dog’s metabolism going all day long.

Become joint joggers. Jogging with a dog can become an continued on page 9

Get Your Dog in Shape...

continued from page 8 enjoyable pastime that enables the owner and pet to get exercise and stay in shape.

Take up swimming. Many dogs are natural lovers of water, and swimming is an effective, low-impact exercise.

Teach the dog tricks. Physical tricks, like fetching a ball or rolling over, can keep dogs active.

Go for long walks. Take the dog with you wherever you go. The more he or she is