How to Beat Human and Pet Obesity

If you own a dog and want to get in shape, or want to encourage your clients to do so, Kansas State veterinarian and assistant professor of clinical sciences Dr. Susan Nelson has some advice. She encourages owners to exercise with their pets in order to increase the human-pet bond and also to help combat obesity. Just follow these guidelines (or pass them along to pet owners who may not know how best to help their furry friends get in shape) outlined in Science Daily:

1. Dogs should exercise at least 2 times per day for 15-60 minutes at a time. Larger dogs and working dogs tend to need more exercise than smaller dogs, but there are exceptions to the rule (Jack Russells are a prime example) so tailor the program to suit your pet.

2. Don’t just let the dog out in the back yard and expect it to play by itself. Dogs need structured, sustained aerobic activity like playing fetch, walking/jogging, swimming, etc.

3. Herding breeds tend to enjoy agility activities, retrieving breeds enjoy fetching, and swimming is great for dogs that live in warm climates or that may have joint problems.

4. Don’t take your dog on a high-speed run the first time you exercise together. Make sure that your pet is in shape enough to keep up with you or else gradually build endurance over time.

5. Hard surfaces like pavement or gravel can damage your pet’s paw pads so if they aren’t used to running or walking on these surfaces, build up your pet’s resistance over time. Hot sidewalks, sand, or roads can also burn your pet’s paws so be mindful of weather conditions. Dogs that have dark or long hair and dogs with short noses are more at risk for overheating during hot weather. Be sure to bring water with you on a warm day. Weather that is too cold can also be a concern as exposure to snow and ice can cause frostbite to the face, nose, and ears. Puddles are especially unsafe in cold weather as they may contain antifreeze.

6. Puppies should not accompany you on long runs until they reach the age of 1 (some vets recommend 15 months). The high impact exercise can damage their growing joints.

7. Avoid feeding your dog either an hour before or after exercise to prevent stomach issues.

Read the rest of the recommendations here.