{"id":440,"date":"2017-11-13T19:49:03","date_gmt":"2017-11-14T00:49:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wp.pawboost.com\/index.php\/2017\/11\/13\/2017-11-13-promoting-healthy-lifestyles-how-to-keep-your-pet-active-and-lean\/"},"modified":"2023-09-11T16:47:53","modified_gmt":"2023-09-11T20:47:53","slug":"2017-11-13-promoting-healthy-lifestyles-how-to-keep-your-pet-active-and-lean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pawboost.com\/blog\/2017-11-13-promoting-healthy-lifestyles-how-to-keep-your-pet-active-and-lean\/","title":{"rendered":"Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: How to Keep Your Pet Active and Lean"},"content":{"rendered":"

Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: How to Keep Your Pet Active and Lean<\/h1>\n

According to a clinical survey from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, in 2016 \u201c53.9% of dogs and 58.9% of cats were classified as clinically overweight or obese by their veterinary healthcare professional.\u201d In hard numbers, this means an estimated 41.9 million dogs and 50.5 million cats in the United States are too heavy for their body condition or frame.<\/p>\n

While these statistics may feel staggering, the good news is that pet obesity is completely combatable! Just like for humans, incorporating a healthy approach to help your pet sensibly lose weight is achievable with a few simple lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n

You can work with your veterinarian to develop a custom nutrition plan and fitness regimen that meets your pet\u2019s specific wellness needs \u2013 and in the meantime, check out our general recommendations and tips for how to make routine exercise and a stable diet part of your lifestyle to keep your four-legged best friend healthy for years to come.<\/p>\n

Fitness for Dogs<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Exercise is a great way to help your dog stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals<\/a>, exercise will not only help your pet burn calories and lose weight, but can also provide the entertainment your pup needs to avoid boredom in the hours you are away from home.<\/p>\n

For dogs that may need to shed a few pounds, it will be important to focus on exercises that generate the accelerated heartbeat needed for sustained aerobic activity. Following the advice of veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward<\/a> from the Pet Obesity Prevention organization, it\u2019s best to begin your pet\u2019s daily exercise regimens with the more strenuous activities.<\/p>\n

\" Photo Credit: TC-TORRES via Pixabay<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Walking the Walk<\/em><\/h3>\n

Keeping the leash within two to three feet of your body, start out your walk at a \u201cbrisk\u201d pace that is manageable for you and your pet to maintain \u2013 Dr. Ward recommends a pace of 15 minutes per mile. Avoid allowing your dog to regularly stop (aka: disrupt the pace) by tightening, not jerking, the leash and using quick commands such as \u201ccome\u201d or \u201chere.\u201d The goal of these walks is to create continuity in your pet\u2019s elevated heart rate and set the tone that this activity is not a casual stroll.<\/p>\n

Dr. Ward recommends beginning with 30-minute walks at least five times a week to help most overweight or obese dogs who are otherwise of good general health drop some pounds. As your pet becomes accustomed to the daily exercise, you can slowly ramp up the walk\u2019s intensity levels by following Dr. Ward\u2019s sample fitness plan below:<\/p>\n

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The exact types and amounts of exercise that are right for your furry loved one will be different based on your dog\u2019s age, breed, age and general health status, so always plan to consult with your veterinary professional to develop a fitness routine that is tailored for your pet\u2019s specific needs. And remember — while exercise is an important part of maintaining your pet\u2019s health, it\u2019s also a great excuse to have fun and develop a deeper bond with your pup!<\/p>\n

Nutrition for Dogs <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Much like how fitness routines should be customized to your pup\u2019s specific breed, age and health considerations, so too should their diet. Always plan to work with your fur baby\u2019s medical team to determine the right nutrition plan to help your pup reach or maintain an optimal weight. Some general considerations from the ASPCA include:<\/p>\n

For Puppies<\/em><\/h3>\n