Even Pets Could Benefit from New Year’s Resolutions!

  Posted on January 6, 2011  by Joy of Living  No comments

Bolt, the Yorkie-Poo guest blogger: Okay.  It’s the New Year.  Time for everyone to make a resolution that sticks for approximately five seconds. As for myself, I intend to move forward with what I resolve to do.  I have put on a bit of weight in the past year, and, while I leisurely committed to an exercise program in the past, I believe I will dedicate myself more fully to the cause.  After all, I am just 2 ½ years old.  I don’t need love handles just yet.  So, every day around 4 p.m., I beg my human to take me on what we call “run-walkies,” where we run part of the time and walk part of the time.  By January of next year, I will be quite the looker…hopefully sooner!

If you want to get your pet’s weight on track, you need to look at not only the food he eats, but the level of his activity.  To maintain weight, light activities are enough.  If your pet could stand to lose some weight, he may require more of an intensive workout so that more energy is expended and more fat is burned.  For both maintenance and weight loss, cardio exercise is a great workout.

Give your pet something stimulating to do so he becomes engage and interested.  Boredom just means added pounds.  While most dogs will obey you and do what you suggest, cats tend to be, well, less cooperative in this regard.

Walking is not necessarily a stimulating activity for dogs.  Opt for brisk walking, ball throwing, fetching, or playing with the Frisbee.  Jog, skate, or cycle together with your dog.  Have him follow you.  Put on some dance tunes and begin to shake your booty. You’d be surprised how this may captivate your pooch!

Cats love toys…and the more complicated, the better.  If your pet suffers from arthritis, try swimming.  Of course, most cats and some dogs – myself included – will refuse to swim. Heck!  I won’t even go near the shower!

Don’t go full-throttle on day one of your pet’s exercise program.  Give him a chance to gradually ease into it. Start lightly and then intensify the regimen. Start with short walks of 10-15 minutes.  Speed up the pace and increase to 20-30 minutes.  Don’t do this right after he has eaten, however, nor in intense heat.  Make sure your dog stays hydrated during and after his exercise session.

Sure, you can reduce the amount of food intake your dog gets, or provide a lighter version of the food he currently enjoys, but most vets recommend combining exercise with a healthy diet for the best results.

Be sure to evaluate your pet’s health before you start his fitness program, and if he has any joint issues, opt for a low impact workout.

Well, I better get a short nap in before that afternoon hour rolls around.  I want to get out there and feel the burn!  This dog’s gonna be top dog before you know it!  I will be sporting a fine six pack by spring!

(Thanks to vetinfo.com for these awesome pet exercise tips!)