By Bonny King-Taylor, the doggy lama, pet coach
This fun-filled season of holiday excess slides right into the season of resolutions and renewed gym memberships. Why not get a jump on your health goals for your pets right now?
The good news is that, as pet people, we have total control over what our cats and dogs eat. With a little education and a lot of determination we can help our creatures reach, and maintain their best weight based on age, breed and lifestyle.
Dr. Ashley Gallagher, of Friendship Animal Hospital, offers some excellent information about how cats get fat and how to put yours on a diet. In her post on PetMD, she agrees with me on two counts:
- When feeding the amount recommended on pet food labels, we are almost always going to provide too many calories.
- Even more so than with humans, crash diets are all wrong for dogs and cats.
A thoughtful and gradual reduction plan is the key to success.
Remember this guy?
Poor “Fat Vincent” was all over the news earlier this year.
He was so grossly overfed by his people that he ended up weighing 38lbs on a frame that should never have held more than 16lbs.
Fortunately, kind people took him in and found an exercise and nutrition plan that really worked.
Here he is now on Inside Edition.
He is now known as “Skinny Vinnie” and will live a much longer and happier life!
Vinnie was not alone in his former portliness.
According to a study published in the Wall Street Journal, one-fifth of dogs and cats are classified ‘obese’, while more than 30% are above normal weight. This epidemic is causing record-breaking cases of pet arthritis, cancers, diabetes and kidney failure.
No one wants to think of their pooch as pudgy, or their cat as fat, but if there is an issue, you can easily make a positive change.
Here are some New Year/New Pooch, get-fit tips:
- Increase exercise. Saving Grace Dog Walkers are happy to help with adding walks, especially when your social and shopping schedule gets busier!
- Your longer walks are more comfortable with proper weather protection…think of layers for you and a warm, belly covering coat for your dog.
- Listen to a catchy tune that will keep you moving. (I like Best Day of My Life by American Authors) Both of your hearts will appreciate it!
- Portion control is everything. Feed the amount appropriate for your pet’s perfect weight…not their current weight. Your vet can help you determine the right poundage to help protect joints and organs.
- During bad weather, play indoor games to burn off energy, maintain fitness and have fun!
Please accept these downloadable suggestions for indoor games as my gift to you!
These two graphics offer goals to work toward:
From the ‘aerial view’, your pooch should have a ‘waist’ and you should be able to easily feel ribs, and your kitty should have body shape 5.
In an adorable combination of cuteness and exercise, my friend JJ’s pup, Allie, has her breakfast, in jammies, on a treadmill.
New Year Exercise Goals!
Happy Holiday’s for Saving Grace Petcare and the doggy lama!