FitSugar

Factors Contributing to Overweight Pets

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 07:30:00 PDT

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

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. Source

Has Fido Fattened Up? Services to Help Your Dog Drop Pounds

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:31:25 PDT

Dog, plus too much food, plus not enough exercise, equals one flabby little Fido. Although a roly-poly pooch might look cute, obesity poses the same health risks for your pet as it does for you. Diet and exercise are key, but if you're having trouble slimming down Sparky, here are some services that can help.

Pooch to 5K
Yes, you read correctly. Just like the Couch to 5K for humans, there's a Pooch to 5K for dogs, a service that offers personal training for the furry loves of your life. Over 40 percent of dogs are overweight, which can lead to joint pain and heart disease, so there's no time like now to get your four-legged friend in tip-top shape. The free Pooch to 5K 12-week training program will help your dog go from lounging around to comfortably running a 5K. What's even better is that you're the one running with your dog three times a week, not the dog trainer, so you too will get in excellent shape. Two paws up!

Keep reading to hear the other ways you can help your beefy Boomer lose weight.

5 Solutions If Your Chubby Pet Is Hungry Like a Wolf

PetSugar — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 09:39:11 PDT

Just because your pet eats it, doesn't mean he's hungry, as science doesn't show that dogs "feel full" as humans do! Gobbling up food can cause a pooch to become overweight or, worse, develop a case of bloat. I've gathered up five solutions for better weight management so settle in and read on.

Know the signs: While you usually have a clue if you have an overweight pet, key features to look for are a rounded belly or any bulging in the back area. If you foresee a growing problem (literally) on your hands, pay special attention to these areas for any changes first.
Try two-a-days: Many vets recommend feeding a cat or dog at least twice a day for longer lasting energy and less hunger. Remember, after checking with the label on the packaging for portion guidelines based on your pet's weight, divide the total amount by the number of meals you offer.
Say time's up: Although my pup scarfs down all his food in seconds, you should remove any unfinished portions after 20 minutes to prevent your own pet from overeating from the trough if he ever slows down.

See two more and

Would You Invest in a Puppy Massage?

PetSugar — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 03:46:38 PDT

Have you ever considered a spa treatment for your pooch? According to the APPA, in 2011 it is estimated that pet owners will spend $3.65 billion on grooming and boarding alone. And across the country, pet massage specialists have been popping up.

Doggie masseuses promise that the process affects your dog's physical health and overall quality of life. Your pup with anxiety issues can unwind and de-stress, older dogs can benefit from specific massage techniques that alleviate joint pain, and overweight dogs will have an easier time getting around to exercise. Would you give it a shot, or is it too over the top for your taste?