The days are longer, the skies are sunnier, and the walking
trails are more inviting. Warmth has finally arrived in a more consistent
fashion and more humans can be seen taking their furry friends on walks and
runs throughout the city. Accompanied with the sunshine is a strong desire to
get our diets and exercise regimes on back on track. But what about our furry
friends? Have they packed on the pounds too? A few extra table scraps
combined with shorter winter walks, and our feline and canine companions can pack on
some winter blubber fast. Despite our loving denial that they just are “fluffier,"
more “muscular” or big boned, our pet's weight is an important number to keep
track of.
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Overweight animals are at a greater risk
for joint problems, diabetes, breathing problems, heat intolerance, and an
overall shorter life span. In 2013 it was estimated
that an astounding 52.6% of dogs in the United States were overweight or obese.
So while we strive to get into our “summer skinny” it is important to ensure
that our pets also see a healthy number on the scale. Here are some steps we
can take to keep our pets lean, mean, happy machines:
-Decrease the amount
food: Of course this is easier said than done. Like humans, each pet may have
a different metabolism and thus require more or less food to stay a healthy weight,
regardless of size. If you’re like me, you might feel guilty over the small
amount of food you’re serving your furry friend. A good trick for dogs is to
add some green beans (straight from the can) on top of their food. Green beans
are filling and give the pups more to munch, which is mentally satisfying for
both dog and owner.
- Change the food
your pet is getting: Different brands of food have varying protein and
carbohydrate contents, as well as different nutritional values. Perhaps your pet
needs a food with more protein and less carbohydrates. For cats, this can mean
a simple switch from dry to wet food as wet food is higher in protein.
However, if cost is also a factor, you can replace one meal of dry food
with wet food instead. Unfortunately, changing your dog’s food can be a bit
more complicated. Like many pet owners these days, I have gone through three
different brands before finding the right one for my fur babies. Choosing the
best food for your pup depends on their own individual needs, size, breed,
energy level, and allergies. Read food labels thoroughly and ask your vet for
their suggestions.
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- Increase their
activity: Of course, this is easier said than done. If you have an active pet,
simply increasing walks or playtime may do the trick. However, if you are short
on time or your pet prefers the couch to the walking trail you might have to
get creative. You can:
- Hire a dog walker like all of us at All Breed Care.
- Take your pup on an outdoor adventure. Try
a park, a coffee shop, or a walk Downtown.
- If your pup is friendly with both humans and
dogs, try an off –the-leash dog park, great socialization for both human and
pup.
- For those lazy dogs and cats out there some
treat motivation may be required. Try and coax them to get active by luring
them with a tiny treat from one side of the house to another. If they like
healthy treats like carrots or vegetables even better!
- Cats can be motivated to move with an
adventurous laser pointer or some cat-nip. Lure them around the house with a
piece of string or mouse toy. Or, get really daring and try out this interesting
cat toy:
By: Chelsey Dyer
