A Moment of Paws: Keeping your furry friend fit and trim is important

By Mary Nee
Special to the Reporter

Too much junk food, not enough exercise – sound familiar? Dropping a few pounds is a New Year’s resolution for so many, and just like us humans, maintaining a proper weight is critical to a pet’s overall health and well-being.

According to a clinical survey conducted by the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention, 60 percent of cats and 56 percent of dogs in the United States are considered obese. These shocking numbers can be attributed to a number of factors – lack of exercise and stimulation, improper diet, unhealthy treats, and table scraps, among others.

As your pet ages, if obesity is an issue they are at risk for a number of medical conditions that can drastically alter its quality of life and longevity. Crippling arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer are just a few of these concerns.

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Getting dogs like Jax down to fighting weight means proper dieting and exercise.

Let’s start with diet. The next time you bring your furry loved one to the vet, talk about your pet’s diet – what and how much they’re eating. Your vet will be able to guide you on a proper food, and on how much to give per day. Prescription food, indoor, active, weight-management, age-defying, senior, grain-free, raw, wet, dry – the options are so many they can make your head spin, but unfortunately many pet owners simply grab a bag without considering if it’s the right food for their animal. Talk to your vet first!

When it comes to feeding, avoid free-feeding or self-feeders. You can also relocate your pet’s food dishes to make them walk to get their food (every little bit helps).

Part of the diet conversation has to involve treats. Treats are a reward, a training tool, and a way to show our pets that we love them. Treats make our pets happy, but they should be given in moderation, no more than 10 percent of a pet’s daily caloric intake. Some store-bought treats contain chemicals, by-products, and other ingredients that can easily throw a balanced diet out of whack. There are plenty of healthy treat recipes out there, which are fun to make and can actually be a positive addition to your pet’s diet!

Table scraps? We’re all guilty of giving our dog a little something now and again, but these should be taken off the menu entirely; not only can they contribute to weight gain, but they also can lead to bad habits like begging.

Exercise is, of course, essential. Your dog’s activity level and exercise needs will vary based on age, breed, and overall health. On average, 30 minutes of exercise a day is recommended and the possibilities for getting that exercise are endless: fetching, accompanying you on a run, walking on the beach – just get them moving! Exercise will burn off energy and pounds and strengthen the bonds between owners and dogs – once they’re tuckered out, they’re ready to cuddle with you on the couch.

Cats can be a little tougher to get moving, and it’s recommended that felines have three five-minute intense periods of activity every day. Laser pointer, toy mice, feather-duster – again, anything that gets them going and satisfies their innate behavior to stalk and pounce is the goal.

We want our pets to be with us for as long as possible, and to be happy and healthy. One of the simplest ways for that to happen is a proper diet and exercise. Since there are no dog or cat gyms that I’m aware of, making sure they’re fit and trim is up to you!

Mary Nee is the president of the Animal Rescue League of Boston and resides in Dorchester. Pet questions? Email ARL at press@arlboston.org.


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