Getting Your Dog in Shape

It is bad enough that Americans are battling obesity and unhealthy diets, but now our dogs are too. Though this really should not come as any surprise to pet owners considering some treat their pets like just another child or human being in the family. Thus, if more people are eating unhealthy, then why shouldn't our dogs also be engaging in the same bad habits?

It is estimated that about 48 million dogs and cats are overweight or obese in this country. That means about 39 percent of the pet population is obese or overweight, and the problem is that putting on the pounds for a dog or cat is not the same as it is for a human.

This is because dogs and cats are much smaller than human beings. For this reason, if a dog (about average size), puts on five pounds, that is the equivalent of an average-sized woman putting on 25 extra pounds. Given that weighty exchange factor, more owners should take their pets' health into consideration before continuing on the destructive eating habits.

Not only should this be a wake up call for the pets, but it should also be a wake up call for the owners so that everyone in the family can start eating healthy. Once you get the routine down for your dog or cat, it will most likely be carried on into your own daily habits.

One way to get your pet's weight down, is to stop feeding him or her your table scraps. People know that giving dogs or cats human food, should not be done. Their bodies do not take to spices or sauces in the same way that humans' bodies do. In addition, who knows if you dog or cat may be allergic to something that you normally eat for dinner.

Plus, if your dog is a house dog, then they usually are not getting the same exercise as that of an outdoor dog that runs around outside. So, if you're feeding them human food on top of their regular dog food, then of course they are going to gain weight. In addition, you will also be increasing the chances of your pet's cholesterol increasing. Human food is too rich for their systems and can lead to cardiac problems later on (or maybe even in just a short amount of time).

Small, toy dogs, especially, are more prone to getting obese these days since they are not as active as other types of breeds. This makes it all the more important that you make daily walks with your dog a priority. Not only will you be doing something good for your dog, but the walks will do something good for you - and you may end up trimming a little weight off as well.

Walking keeps your dog fit, allows them to run off any pent up energy (if they are an indoor dog), keeps their nails short (the sidewalk acts as an emory board for their nails) and teaches them behavioral lessons (ie they learn how to behave when walking past a stranger or another dog). By doing this, you will enhance your pet's health, but you may also notice behavioral changes. Oftentimes, if a dog doesn't get to go out enough, they end up getting bored (which could translate into clawing the furniture or chewing your shoes).

Regardless of the size of your dog, you should try to feed them at multiple points throughout the day. This doesn't mean increasing their food intake, but rather, measuring how much they normally eat and then dividing it into several meals. This will keep your dog (or cat) full throughout the day.

Remember, you are not doing your dog or cat any favors by offering them the same luxurious foods as humans. So, do them and yourself a favor by getting them in shape. They will live longer and healthier lives as a result.