According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 52.5 percent of dogs were recently identified by their veterinarians as overweight or obese. That means approximately 80 million U.S. dogs are at increased risk for weight-related disorders including diabetes, osteoarthritis, hypertension and cancer.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported similarly high numbers in regards to the percent of adults (20 years and over) who were reported by their doctors to be either overweight or obese – 70.7 percent.
Your life is hectic, work is stressful and when you get home, all you want to do is laze around. For your health and the health of your precious puppy, though, it is vital that you lace up those sneakers and take him or her a walk or take him out back for a bit of playtime. Here are a few simple, fun ways to get up, get out and get going.
TREAD CONSISTENTLY
Schedule a time to walk Fido and stick to it. Make a commitment and don’t allow yourself the freedom to make excuses and get out of it – and remember, a quick walk down the block to use the restroom isn’t enough activity. Start out walking two blocks for every pound of your dog’s body weight and increase the distance each week as you and your puppy get used to your new routine. A few short walks per day are best for young, older or physically challenged dogs. Walk briskly enough so that you and your dog are getting a significant workout, but not so vigorously that your dog is drooling heavily and falling behind.
Don’t consider walking your pet a chore. Instead, look at it as an opportunity for you both to get essential exercise and bond in the process. Don’t forget to bring along some water and cleanup bags!
DESIGN A DOGSTACLE COURSE
If you have seen any of these dog agility competitions, you know how impressive this and exhausting circuit training can seem. Rather than building an elaborate course, you can easily adapt this for your backyard using simple everyday items. Create an obstacle course in a fenced in area using an exercise ball, jump rope, a fitness step, etc. With your dog on a leash, briskly walk through the course together. At each station, do a specific exercise like push-ups or jumping jacks.
CLIMB HIGHER
There are few exercises that will sculpt your legs and behind like repetitively climbing a few flights of stairs. Athletes even use stair climbing as a conditioning workout – from stadiums to office buildings, you will see many people training using this method.
Leash your pooch and pick a particularly long staircase in your house or perhaps at some nearby bleachers. Go up and down the stairs together and challenge yourself – try running, taking two steps at a time, or climb the stairs sideways. Climbing steps together will definitely help you both burn off your breakfast.
Losing weight with your dog is easier than you think. Make sure you are both getting healthy together and maintaining a good lifestyle, including eating right and exercising consistently.
You and your dog share a unique bond and often when you are separated, your dog isn’t motivated to be active. He or she lies around and awaits you to return. At Pawderosa Ranch, we understand how vital it is that your dog is running around, working up a pant while in daycare or boarding too. We offer extensive dog runs where your canine companion will bond and play with pup his or her own size. Our staff also takes extra care to play with and interact with each and every dog multiple times throughout the day.
Interested in learning more about our services? Contact us – we’d love to give you a tour.
Sources
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/obesity-overweight.htm
https://www.petobesityprevention.org/2012-national-pet-obesity-survey-results/
http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/fun-ways-lose-weight-your-pet
http://www.mypet.com/pet-nutrition/lose-weight-with-dog.aspx
http://www.livestrong.com/article/454915-muscles-used-while-walking-up-stairs/
