Fitness and health

Let's admit it, we've probably all gained a little holiday weight the last few weeks. I know for sure that I have.
There is also a possibility that your pup might have put on a little weight too. Winter tends to get us more and more indoors and sharing snacks more often.
But its important to keep your pet in shape so that they stay healthier overall and longer.
"Keeping your pet at a healthy weight lowers the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory disease and more. In fact, excess weight can reduce your pet's life expectancy by more than two years, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association."
In addition to organ health, keeping your dog in shape helps to prevent injuries by strengthening muscle and tendons, reduces the impact of arthritis by helping them distribute their weight safely and lower the extra weight they're carrying, and helps them recover from injuries faster.
The dogs pictured are dogs that are in a healthy weight range. The first is muscled and lean and is likely trained in sports or work to keep them active. The second is at a pet weight. They are lean and sleek and at an excellent weight for a normal home.
The easiest way to identify what your dogs weight at is to feel a few key points.
- Ribs. Should be felt through a thin layer of fat. This means that with light pressure you should feel the waves of the ribs. If it feels like a xylophone your dog is likely thin. If its difficult to feel the ribs with light pressure they likely have too much weight.
-Hips. These are the two peaks of bone on top of your dogs rump near the tail. You should be able to feel these. However they shouldn't feel sharp/pointy. If you can't feel your dogs hips they are overweight and need help.
-Spine. You should be able to feel your dogs spine with light pressure but not see it. If you can't feel the spine with light pressure your dog is also likely a little overweight.
Would you like to see tips and games for helping your dog get fit?
If you have any questions about feeding your dog or designing a program to help them get to their goal weight let us know and we'd love to help!