Get Healthy With Your Pet

It is estimated that between 25 and 40 percent of dogs and cats and 31 percent of people in the United States are overweight.

How can you help? Add your pets to your own weight loss and exercise plan. Studies show that people who exercise with others are far more likely to keep up with their exercises, and that people diet more effectively with a “buddy.” Exercising with your four legged friend results in a healthier owner and a healthier pet.

Here are some pet weight loss tips:

1.  Take your pet to the veterinarian to make sure it is healthy enough for vigorous exercise. Your vet will also be able to tell you how overweight your pet is.
2. Measure the amount of food that you give your pets. They should be fed smaller portions at least twice a day. If they haven’t finished eating within 20 minutes, put their bowl away. Dogs and cats that are fed only once a day, or fed continuously throughout the day tend to be the fattest.
3. Monitor “doggy” and “kitty” treats. A large dog treat can contain over 100 calories and a small treat usually has under 10 calories. Break large treats in half to cut calories.
4. Give pets high-fiber pet food so that they feel full without fewer calories. No-salt, canned string beans can be added to either dry or wet food to provide bulk and fiber with very few calories.
5. To exercise your cat, play with her with a feather, string or laser light and get her to run after it.
6. Take your dog for agility training. Agility is a sporting event in which you and your dog work together so that he successfully navigates a series of obstacles arranged on a course.

Getting active with your pets is a great way to stay motivated and make exercising fun for your both.