FitSugar

Dogs Take a Bite Out of Childhood Obesity

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:00:00 -0700

We all know that having a dog is good for an adult's overall health, but did you know that it's also good for kids?

Recent research has found that children who play with a family dog have been found to be up to 50 percent less likely to be overweight or obese than those who do not. Unlike adults, children do not even need to walk dogs. Just the mere act of playing with them can help children maintain a healthy weight. If you have a dog, encourage your kids to turn off the TV and play with him more. As a result, the dog will be happier and so will your kids. If you don't have kids, your dog loves to play and it's certainly not going to hurt your waistline to play with your pup a little more.

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Which Pet Is Better For Your Health? Cats vs. Dogs

FitSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0700

I am a self-proclaimed dog person. Not because I don't like cats, but they tend to make me sneeze. Plus I like that most dog owners are forced to walk more because of their pets. That being said, there are health benefits to both animals, so take this quiz to see if you know which pet does what for your well-being.

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"ACT"ivism: Volunteer to Walk Dogs at a Pet Shelter

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:30:00 -0700

Looking for ways to burn a few extra calories this summer? One way to do that and put a smile on someone's face, or rather a wag in someone's tail, is to volunteer to walk dogs at a local pet shelter or rescue. A 130 pound person can burn about 177 calories just by walking a dog for an hour and imagine how happy you're making the dog who could be otherwise restricted to a confined space the majority of the day. To find a shelter or rescue group near you, just visit PetFinder.com.

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Factors Contributing to Overweight Pets

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 07:30:00 -0700

I was watching the Martha Stewart Show recently while I was on the treadmill at the gym. On this episode she had her veterinarian, Dr. Marty Goldstein, as a guest to talk about overweight pets. It was interesting to hear Dr. Goldstein's opinion on the three factors that can contribute to overweight pets because (in my opinion) they are rather similar to the factors that can contribute to overweight humans...

To read what they are read more

Diet: First and foremost, a pet's diet must be regulated. The order of ingredients on a nutrition label is so important because whatever is listed first is the most prominent ingredient. The serving size your pet should get might be far different from the recommended amount on the bag or can. Above all, limit treats. Many people question whether wet food is better than dry food. It generally takes more processing of the food to get it into a bag than into a can. Processing destroys the vitamins, enzymes and natural integrity of the food; processing makes it less whole, so generally wet food is healthier.
Metabolic Deficiency: There are natural fat burning enzymes called L-Carnitine and chromium picolinate, which you can get at health food stores. They work well and are all natural. Before giving your pet any sort of supplement or medicinal remedy, consult your veterinarian.
Exercise: The best exercise for a dog is jogging with him or having him retrieve a stick or ball. Twenty to thirty minutes of really good exercise a day is recommended, the more the better. For cats, increase play and encourage movement around the house.

I know the whole diet and exercise bit seems like common sense at this point, but it never hurts to reiterate it, does it? Helping your pet lose weight may also lead to helping you lose weight too. Want to really make your dog run? Consider getting a Chuck it ($7.60) ball launcher to make your dog go the distance to retrieve the ball. Buy it from Amazon.com. If you go this route, be sure to get yourself moving as the Chuck It really takes all the effort out of throwing the ball. For a sure way to get both your heart rates up: Do rounds of jumping jacks after you chuck the ball until Fido brings it back to you.

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Testing For Allergies - No Need for the Pricks?

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:45:00 -0700

If you ever thought you had allergies, I bet you've been through the awful skin test at the Allergist's office. The test includes about 40 pricks on your back, injecting you with tiny amounts of certain allergens such as dust, cat dander, and pollen. Then they wait about 20 minutes to see how your body reacts. If your skin creates a swollen bump, much like a mosquito bite, then the doctor knows what you are allergic to. If your skin doesn't react, the doctor would proceed to give you 12 more pricks containing more potent formulas of the same allergens - 6 on each arm. These allergens are injected deeper into you arms, than the pricks on your back. OUCH!!

I can tell you from firsthand experience, that the test is NO FUN. The appointment can take upwards of 3 hours. The skin test definitely isn't ideal by any means, but for a while, it was the only test available.
There's actually another much less traumatic test that can be used. It is a blood test - 1 prick - looking for immunoglobulin E, or IgE.

I wish I knew about this when I was going through my allergy testing. Want to know why I didn't? Then read more

The reason this easier, less painful blood test is not used more could be a money issue. If an allergist performs the skin test, they get paid. If they have to send your blood away to a lab, then the lab gets paid. Allergists also feel that the lab isn't as qualified to interpret the blood test. Hopefully these issues will be resolved soon making the blood test more readily available.

This test will change the lives of all those who know they have allergies, but fear the skin test ordeal to pin point their allergies. Most people just mask their symptoms with over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines.

Fit's Tips: Since Spring is just around the corner (read tomorrow) and it is a season loaded with pollen, you might consider getting tested if you think you have allergies. Ask if your allergist provides the blood test if the dreaded skin test is all that is stopping you.

IMPORTANT: Pet Food Recall

FitSugar — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 07:30:00 -0700

I am sick and tired of dealing with recalls, after the Oscar Mayer Chicken and the contact lens solution. Now 90 brands of pet food are being tied to kidney failure in cats and dogs. I believe in creating a fit family and that includes the pets!!!

On Saturday, Menu Foods, a Canada-based company recalled 50 brands of dog food and 40 brands of cat food. This includes pet food made by Iams, Nutro, and Eukanuba.

An unknown number of cats and dogs have suffered kidney failure, and already 10 have died after eating the affected food. As a precaution, Nestle Purina PetCare Company and Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. voluntarily recalled some of their pet food that was made by Menu Foods.

The pet foods that were recalled were made with wheat gluten that had been purchased from a new supplier. There is suspicion that this could be the cause, but nothing has been determined yet.

The "cuts and gravy" style products sold in cans and pouches are among some of the affected products. Consumers are being advised to stop using these and the others on the list.

Want to know which pet foods are on the list? Then read more

Menu Foods makes 17 of the 20 top pet foods in the North American pet foods. If you're concerned about which products have been recalled, you can check out the Menu Foods website for a complete list.

Fit's Tips: If you have been feeding your pet any of the foods on the list, and they seem to have a loss of appetite, are vomiting, or just not acting like himself or herself, take them to the vet immediately to get checked out.

Walkies Are Good for Humans Too

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 10:00:00 -0800

At the end of the year, a Finnish study found that pet owners were not as healthy as their animal free counterparts.

But a rebuttal has been put forth, at least for dog owners. A very recent study suggests that the companionship offered by canines has a positive influence on humans. Sorry cats.

Dog owners tend to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and suffer less frequently from other minor ailments. Researcher believe the reason is two fold. One, the physical exercise that dogs require are not just beneficial for the dog. Walkies are good for humans too. In addition, contact with other dog owners and the social element of walking a dog seems to help dog owners psychologically. My girls go "ga-ga" for dogs on the street and we talk to all the owners. When I walk my doggie, I am constantly talking to folks (but I do that anyway).

All I have to say about this study is - WOOF!!!

Bike With Your Dog: Walky Dog

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 02:30:00 -0700

If you're anything like me you have major guilt doing any kind of outdoor activity without your beloved dog. Hopping on my bike would be a lot more rewarding if I could bring Bear (my dog) along, but it's just too dangerous. Ah, those puppy dog eyes are a killer though, aren't they...

So with this in mind, some imaginative dog lovers have created the Walky Dog ($39.95), which is a bicycle dog leash that attaches to the bike's frame that lets you ride your bike. This way, you can give your dog the complete outdoor experience along with you. Dogs need exercise too, so now you can give both of you a good work out. Want one? Then buy it directly from WalkyDog.com.

Partner Yoga Pose: Triple Down Dog

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Downward Facing Dog is a total body workout. It stretches your hamstrings and strengthens your upper body. If you do the Partner Yoga pose Double Dog, the person on the bottom gets even more of a deep stretch, and the person on the top gets a killer upper body and core workout.

What happens if you do Triple Dog with three people? It feels amazing to be physically connected to two other people like this. It takes even more strength and communication to get into this pose (and stay in it), but when you do, it's an amazing feeling.

To find out how to get into it, read more

Partner #1 begins in Down Dog. Partner #2 stands on the left side of them.
Partner #2 places their hands about 8 to 12 inches in front of Partner #2's hands.
Partner #2 lifts their right leg and places their foot on the bone (the back of the pelvis) above Partner #1's bum. Partner #2 repeats this action with their left foot, bringing it to the Partner #1 left backside. Partner #2 cups each side of Partner #1's pelvis with their feet. Partner #2 is basically doing Down Dog on top of their partner. Hence the name - Double Dog.
Now Partner #3 stands on the left side of Partner #2 and gets into Down Dog, with their feet cupping above Partner #2's pelvis.
This pose gets intense quickly because it takes a lot of strength to stay in it. Just make sure all three partners are communicating the entire time.

Fit's Tip: After you've had fun practicing with three people, try it with four or more. It is a veritable downward dog party!

Burn Calories, Walk Your Dog and Your Dogs

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:00:00 -0800

Time and time again I get requests for Jessica Biel's workout. I don't blame you for wanting to know what she does, the girl is ripped. I have also noticed, time and time again, that we are always seeing Jessica out walking her dogs.

While I am sure that she does WAY more than just walk her dogs for exercise, it definitely doesn't hurt for maintaining that figure of hers. A 130-pound woman walking her dog at about 2.5mph (average) will burn about 183 calories in one hour. For great tips on safe dog walking and to see even more pics of Jessica walking her dogs read more

Here are some great tips from Weather.com for happy dog walking this spring:

Just like people who aren't used to exercise, dogs should start off slow. Moderately paced walking and swimming are a good way to start--they let canine athletes build their cardiovascular and muscle strength without putting undue stress on their joints.
Keep a close eye on your dog: watch for any unusual signs of fatigue or trouble breathing. If your pup wants to stop, let him. Dogs that overdo it can suffer strained tendons or ligaments or other orthopedic problems.
Don't expect your fuzzy buddy to be a weekend warrior, even if you only get exercise on the weekends yourself. After a long week without exercise, your dog may be ready to get out and burn off energy. But because of their enthusiasm, many of the popular breeds, such as Labrador and golden retrievers, will overdo it.
Safety first--keep Rover on a leash when you run. Even the best-trained dogs can run into the path of a car or a territorial animal. And if you have to run when it's dark out, put reflectors on your dog's collar as well as on your clothes.
Concrete and asphalt are tough on the paws, especially on hot days. Try to run on dirt paths or grass as much as possible. Gravel, cinders, and road salt can also irritate paws.
Take it easy in extreme weather. If it's freezing cold or hot and steamy out, either keep your run short or play a little indoor fetch instead.
The more active your dog is, the more water he'll need. Make sure he has plenty of fresh water before and after your run. If you're going for a long run, take some water along for him.

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