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Obstacles in the way!
Bo, the fit feline: In honor of our attention to pet fitness these past few posts, I just wanted to let our audience know that I take my overall health and fitness routine seriously. I love a buff body and know I have a long life (or LIVES!) ahead of me. Now, as for our lovable canine companion in the home, well, she needs to step up the workout routine a bit, and since she does not like to get too dirty outside, I have discovered a new indoor workout for her to try! If you really want to have some fun with your dog, especially on a rainy or excessively hot day, then set up an indoor obstacle course. It is so much fun for you and your dog to bond together in this manner, and even way more fun for the adorable house cat to sit back and watch. Talk about entertainment!
Jessie, the adorable canine: I thought we already had an indoor obstacle course, what, between all of your cat nip toys, the litter box, and your precious little cat pillows, I can barely get through the living room without hurting myself.
Bo: The maid has been on vacation for the past couple of weeks. What can I say? Now, for this obstacle course, you can do things like put your dog on pet steps next to a footstool and create some low jumps by using objects in your home, like a cardboard box placed in the middle of a doorway or two chairs and a broom. Have your dog fetch something as he goes up the steps and back and forth over that low jump. Try to teach your dog to run through a tunnel, too. Play fetch with him this way. Use a child’s toy tunnel or a big cardboard box with both ends cut out and have him run through it. (Ideally, I would position the tunnel next to an open doorway that leads to the outside and just watch that puppy keep on running…and then SHUT the door! However, I do not recommend you try that at home. That is just MY personal agenda that I may implement one day.)
(Information for this post was discovered at http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/19375291/)
What? Me? Work up a sweat? You have got to be kidding!
Jessie, the perfectly fit dog: I am sure you all have heard that exercise is great for people. They also say it is good for pets. I get enough exercise around here by jumping to conclusions and evading the issues. Why must I do anything further? I have seen many humans out on the streets running with their dogs. What is up with that? What are they running from? Or, better yet…what are they chasing? Why on earth do people run if they are not chasing a car or running from a bigger human?
Bo, the cerebral cat: If you must know, my dear canine friend. Exercise is important for both humans and animals. It keeps our hearts in shape, our bodies fit, and our minds clear. If anything, you could use a bit of fitness, if only to keep a bit more sanity about you. I do have a few tips on how to get started working out with your pets. Actually, I am just waiting for someone to open up a health club strictly for cats and dogs. It would be PAWS-itiviely awesome, wouldn’t it? They could have a spa, a salon, a place to dine on French kitty treats, a massage station, a….
Jessie: FOCUS! Our readers do not care one bit about your fantasies. If you are going to educate them, do it now and do it quickly. They have other blogs to get to!
Bo: (Clearing his throat) Fine. Well, as with anything you do in life, you need to be motivated to do it first. So, if you want to exercise with your pet, be sure to schedule in the time just like you would any other appointment. (Speaking of which, is my stylist still on speed dial?) If you have it written down in your calendar, you are less likely to skip that “appointment.” So, how much time do you need to spare for this indulgence? Most experts say that thirty-minute sessions about four times each week will suffice for a dog. Cats can get by on 15 minutes, once each day, provided they are in good health.
With your dog, you can play a game of fetch. Remember: YOU throw the ball, and HE fetches it. Not the other way around. (However, that would be highly entertaining, now that I think about it!) Take your dog on a long walk or even a jog. Play a game of chase around the back yard. (That will give the neighbors something to talk about! “Look, Norm, Jack is in his yard again, being chased by the dog!”) If you have a dog that loves the water, take him for a swim….just not at your local neighborhood pool. They might frown on that.
Cats like to play fetch with furry mice….fake ones…not real ones! Put a toy ball on a slick surface and watch the cat go wild. Catnip toys can also entice your cat to engage in some heart-pumping play.
Just remember to have fun. And make sure to offer your pet some water when finished. It is important to keep your pet just as hydrated as yourself! Before long, both you and your four-legged buddy will be looking fit and trim. After all, swim suit season is around the corner!
(Information for this post was found at http://home.ivillage.com/pets/cats/0,,p9rm,00.html)
Get your pet to help you with that post-holiday bloat!
Bo: Well, here it is…the day after Thanksgiving. Many folks may be out shopping….or, many may be on the couch in a self-induced food coma from a bit of over-indulgence in the Thanksgiving feast of yesterday.
Jessie: Is that why you are writing this post from your bed, computer on your belly, and drool coming out of your mouth? If it were not for me, the spelling in this document today would be atrocious!
Bo: Let it be said that both humans and pets need regular exercise, and it is so much fun to do that with your beloved canine by your side.
Jessie: How lucky for you! I have never even seen someone out for a run with a cat. Guess this means you will be watching TV all day while you recuperate?
Bo: As I was saying, if you want to have some fun exercising with your pooch, it will be a great way to work off some of that holiday bloat…and gear up for the next round of food festivities that strike us all in December. Just like humans need to begin slowly with their exercise program, start walking or running your dog on soft surfaces like dirt, sand, or grass until his paws toughen. Be sure to keep him on a leash, too. Also, consider your dog’s current physical condition. Older dogs may do just fine with a leisurely walk. Younger pups can probably handle a more rigorous romp. Be sure to begin your exercise routine with short periods of activity and then gradually bump it up with increases in time, speed, and distance.
Jessie: You might add that it is not wise to exercise your dog right after a meal. That can lead to some tummy troubles…and I really do not feel like puking all over myself. Take into consideration your local weather conditions, too. When it is cold outside, dogs can get frostbite just like humans. Likewise, if the pavement is hot, it can damage our paws, too. We kindly ask that after we have been in the snow that you wipe off our feet to remove any ice, salt, and other debris that can harm or irritate our paws.
Bo: Also, be sure to check with your vet before starting any exercise program for your dog, especially if your dog has a history of any medical problems. (Bo looks over at Jessie and ponders: I wonder if this includes a history of MENTAL problems, too?) Just remember! Your dog loves to have fun with you! Exercise is a great way to brighten his day and to get the blood pumping in BOTH of you!
If you have a busy schedule and want to have a trusted professional walk your dog, call the experts at Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City. They love to make sure your dog gets some exercise! Your dog, in turn, will love you for it!
(Information for this post was obtained at www.purina.com)
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