FitSugar

Fact or Fiction: Can You Catch a Cold From Your Pet?

FitSugar — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0800

I think pets can definitely improve your health, but can you catch a cold from Fido or Fluffy? Take this quiz to see if you can separate fact from fiction and if your cat or dog can give you a cold.

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5 Ways Pets Improve Your Health

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:00:00 -0800

When I come home from a long day of blogging, my dear dog Bonnie greets me at the door with blind adoration. All that love is such an ego boost. Pets are good for more than your self-esteem. Besides being great buddies, according to WebMD pets can also improve your health in these five ways:

Prevent allergies: Many new studies show that children who grow up in a household with furry animals or on a farm, have less risk for allergies, and asthma and a stronger immune system.
Friend magnets: Pets are natural conversation starters so your pet can help you meet people if you have social anxiety or chronic shyness.
Benefit the aged: For the elderly, caring for a pet can offer exercise and companionship. Studies have also shown that for Alzheimer's patients, those who have a pet have fewer anxious outbursts.
Good for the mind and soul: Those who have pets are less likely to suffer from depression, are better equipped to handle stressful situations, and they also have lower blood pressure.
Good for your heart: Pet owners who suffer from a heart attack will live longer than those who are petless. Studies have also shown that men who own pets have lower cholesterol.

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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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Get PetFit With Gunnar and Molly

FitSugar — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:30:00 -0800

Trainer to the stars, Gunnar Peterson along with the help of Molly Sims, is looking to get people active with their pets in the PetFit Challenge. This nationwide challenge aims to get pets and their owners on track for an active, healthy, and happy life together. I love the idea so I'll be signing up my dog and myself, as we can both always use the extra push to get moving - let's hope she likes lunges as much as I do.

For more pics of Molly exercising with her Yorkies and for some fun exercises you can do with your dog just read more.

Power Dog Walks With Intervals: Take your dog for a walk on a leash. Throughout the walk, mix in some intervals of jogging, running, or high stepping to help increase your heart rate and burn calories for both you and your dog.
Fetch Races: A twist on an old favorite. Grab your dog’s favorite toy and toss it at your local dog park or in your backyard . . . except this time, race your dog to retrieve it! For owners who don’t have access to a dog park or backyard, this can be done in the hallway of your home with a soft toy.
Fetch Tease For Abs: Another twist on classic fetch. Grab your dog’s favorite toy and pretend to toss it as you reach the top of your sit-up. Try to get in as many reps as you can until your dog becomes wise that you still have his toy. This is perfect for your backyard, your local dog park or even inside your home.
Dog Squat Tease: Stand with your legs spread shoulder width in preparation to do a leg squat. As you descend, tap your dog with his favorite toy. As you rise, lift the toy above your head to encourage your dog to jump after it. This can be done in your home and outside as well.

If you are a cat owner, you are not out of luck. Check out the Curious Cat Curls on PetSugar.

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Bauer-Griffin

Doggie Yoga: Downward Dog at its Best

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Yoga's increasing popularity has been leading folks to get everyone in the family involved from grandparents to children to dogs. Yup, you read that right, dogs.

MSNBC is reporting the onset of "doggie yoga," which is being hailed as a new way for owners to interact with their pets as well as a way to get dogs to calm down. Part of the class includes gentle stretching and dog massage as well. I like the idea of getting pet owners and pets moving since both species are faced with an obesity problem these days, but whatever happened to an old fashioned walk?

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Nonetheless, look for doggie yoga classes popping up (pet stores, animal societies, etc.) near you.

Speak Up: What Are Your Gym Pet Peeves?

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:00:20 -0800

There are so many things I love about the gym. It's always perfect weather inside, there are so many challenging fitness classes to choose from, and of course, the pool is a huge plus. There are also some things I don't love, number one being that I can't stand it when impatient gym-goers stand near you like vultures, waiting for you to be done with equipment. How rude.

The complain department is open for business, so tell me, what things annoy you about the gym?

Pet Food Recall Update - Was it Rat Poison???

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 17:15:00 -0700

Remember the Pet Food Recall I told you about? They thought it was contaminated wheat gluten that was causing cats and dogs to die of kidney failure.

Scientists at a food laboratory in Albany, NY found rat poison in the pet food they tested.

This poison known as aminopterin actually isn't legal to use in the U.S. for killing rodents, although it is used as a cancer drug because it inhibits the growth of malignant cells. It is highly toxic if taken in high doses, and for small animals like cats and dogs, it can cause kidney failure.

The rat poison could have been used on wheat imported from China, and that's why it was thought that the contaminated wheat gluten was the culprit.

Fit's Tips: So far 15 cats and 1 dog have died from kidney failure due to eating pet food manufactured by Menu Foods. If this pet food recall is news to you, check to see if your pet food is on this list.

Enough With the Pet Food Recalls Already!!

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 11:45:00 -0700

I really can't take much more of this. The recent pet food recall from Menu Foods was so sad, with all those poor cats and dogs getting sick and passing away. It looks like bad wheat gluten wasn't the only problem. The FDA announced that ANOTHER ingredient - rice protein concentrate - was also contaminated. This time the industrial chemical melamine is the culprit.

A different brand is affected this time, so listen up: a variety of Natural Balance Pet Foods products for both dogs and cats is being recalled.

If you use Natural Balance Venison and Brown Rice canned or bagged dog food, Venison and Brown Rice dog treats, or Venison and Green Pea dry cat food - STOP USING THEM IMMEDIATELY!!

Fit's Tips: Here's a list of all the brands that have been recalled. If you are unsure about what to feed your hungry pet, talk to your veterinarian.

Relax Already: Play With a Pet

FitSugar — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:00:00 -0700

People de-stress in different ways, and if soaking in a warm bath doesn't do it for you, try something a little more active and playful in the four-legged variety. Many studies show the health benefits of pets for relieving stress, reducing high blood pressure, and boosting your mood.

Calm your mind by playing with your pet. If you don't have one, canoodle with your friend's goldendoodle. Pet your neighbor's cat. Visit a shelter and play with the animals there. Aside from a cute face, cats and dogs provide unconditional affection, which is great after a stressful day.

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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.