Importance of Dog Exercise

    

 By Kaili Williams from DogsGoWalking.com
   
    Routine exercise is a vital part of your pet’s health needs. Just like their human counterparts, your pet needs regular, daily exercise in order to maintain their optimum weight and health. Regular dog walking, or other forms of active pet play, can relieve stress and destructive behavior, keep bones and joints healthy, and overall extend your pet’s quality of life.
    If you would like to start an exercise routine with your pet, start slow. Just as with people, jumping right into an intense schedule can do more harm than good. You want to ensure that exercise is fun and safe for you and your pet. Start taking a daily 15 minute walk with your dog, and slowly build up time as your dog becomes comfortable with it. Within one or two weeks, you can try moving onto 30 minute dog walks, and then up to hour long dog walks. If your pet enjoys your long walks, and still seems active and energetic afterwards, you may want to move on to dog running or jogging.
    Be mindful of your dogs behavior while you are exercising. Know when your dog is pushing too hard by watching for breathing trouble or signs of fatigue. Always walk your dog with a leash. If you are walking or running with your dog in the dark or low light, make sure that the both of you wear reflectors. Try to keep to natural substrates such as grass or dirt - concrete and gravel can be uncomfortable on pet paws. Check weather reports to ensure that it will be safe to walk. If it is too hot or too cold, a long walk could be harmful. Additionally, it would be wise to avoid getting caught in storms. If you are going on a long walk, make sure that you bring enough fresh water for both yourself and your dog. Finally, If your dog needs to stop and rest, make sure that you allow him or her to.
    If you are in a position where you do not have the time or ability to exercise with your dog, you can always hire a dog walker or runner. Dog walkers can help to ensure that your dog will get the exercise needs he or she requires daily.

Pet Obesity within the US

By Kaili Williams from DogsGoWalking.com

Obesity is a rampant problem within America, but studies are showing that more than just people are impacted - their pets are too. A 2008 study showed that 57% of American cats, and 44% of American dogs are overweight. Obesity is a problem that impacts every aspect of your furry friend, including osteoporosis, heart problems, skin conditions, diabetes, and other issues.
    How can you tell if your pet is overweight? Your pet should have an hourglass shape - there should be a visible waist without the ribs or hips protruding to the point where you can see bone. If you are uncertain, a veterinarian can help to determine your pets ideal weight.
    How is this happening? Well, our pets are having the same problems that many Americans are: too many calories, and not enough exercise. Be aware of the calorie content of your pets food, as well as their treats. Additionally, be mindful of table scraps and other food that your pet may be getting into. All of those factors can quickly add up to a calorie total that is higher than necessary for daily consumption. Treats, being comparable to human-junk food, are often the biggest problem. Treats should only make up 10% (or less) of your dogs daily calories. Furthermore, treats lack essential nutrients, so too much could be impairing dog health in more ways than just packing on the pounds.

Other factors of obesity include stress and lack of exercise. You can alleviate these issues with one solution: exercise and play. Human interaction and activity help to relieve stress and aid in your pets weight loss. You can schedule extra time for daily walks with your pet, or, if you are short on time: hire a dog walker.

    If your pet is overweight, you may consult your veterinarian in order to determine a proper portion to feed your pet daily. By feeding your pet on a schedule with controlled portions, you will be in control and aware of how much your pet eats per day. Furthermore, vets can prescribe diet food for your pet if needed.