New Year’s Resolutions

The New Year is upon us.  After the last guest departs, and dishes are gathered for cleaning, leftovers sent home with friends and family–with some put aside for tomorrow’s reminder of what a great holiday dinner was had by all–there’s a little thought brewing.  Time spent on the sofa after all the whirlwind of Christmas and Hanukkah shopping, visits, and parties, may be partly to blame for clothes that suddenly are a little too snug–even the dog is sleeping more and romping less.  The eggnog was fun, as were all festive treats of the season.  And now it’s time to dial all that down, and get back to regular exercise and healthy eating for you and your dog. 

Weight creeps onto dogs and we don’t really notice, seeing them every day as we do, until that shocking weigh in at the vets when it’s time for shots.   We feel like really bad dog or cat parents.  Yet according to a Pfizer health study based on veterinary reporting, 47% of the approximately 130  million pets are overweight.  Just like humans, when a tailored diet and regular exercise strategy is employed, heart disease, type II diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure and arthritis can be avoided.

Veterinary teaching hospitals often have programs to provide guidance on safely helping Rex lose the excess.  Diets are tailored specifically for your pet’s age and breed, taking into consideration the climate and environmental impacts of your area.  You will be assured you are doing the right thing for your precious pet. 

Large amounts of repetitive or demanding exercise is not normal for dogs.  Start slowly with any new regimen.  Young dogs should not be made to run your miles with you until their bones are finished growing to avoid creating joint and bone problems.  Even then, ask your vet.   She or he may want to give your dog a check-up before you proceed.  Older dogs, 7 and up, do not have the stamina needed and other undiagnosed medical conditions may exist that create a recipe for disaster.  Climate makes a difference.  Dogs cannot sweat to cool their bodies, and easily overheat, so adjust accordingly. 

The surfaces you intend to use while exercising may mean torn up pads for your dog, so pad balm should be applied before each sesson.  Well-fitted harnesses are much safer than collars, as are leads that wrap around your waist to free your hands.  Talk to your vet to be certain what you are doing is the best way to achieve your goals.  And if you have a dog with respiratory conformation challenges, like a bulldog or pug, they are not built for anything other than regular walks.  And that will work just fine! 

We love our pets and want them to be happy and healthy.  As one doctor suggested, carrots and green beans are great treats, don’t cost your dog so much in carbs, and we dog moms and dads still get the pleasure of providing a treat.  (Be careful to cut the carrots so your dog can easily chew it with no chance of getting lodged in the throat.)

Wishing you and yours all good things in the coming New Year.