Bishop, Hendry & EdwardsNewsPets

Get your dog beach body ready

If you’re thinking of taking your dog on holiday this year, you might want to help him or her look and feel their best so they can enjoy the summer. The added benefits of being a healthy weight and at optimal fitness are well documented – overweight pets are more prone to unwanted illnesses such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes fatal abdominal condition.

Weight Watching

Many owners do not acknowledge that their pet is overweight, but ask yourself if your pet is as active as they were, do they sleep more, pant more or are they less interested in their environment or in you? Regular weight checks really help to stop things getting out of hand. This can be done at home or in your vet’s surgery. Alternatively take a photo of your pet every week to help keep a check on when they are getting chubby. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes but they should have a waist visible from the top and the side and you should be able to count their ribs but not to see them. If your dog is overweight get advice from your vet or veterinary nurse on the best way to shed the pounds.

Get Active

If your dog is healthy, getting moving can aid weight loss but even if your pet doesn’t need to lose weight you may well be out and about more than usual on your holiday so getting a bit fitter can only help. Generally, between 1 and 2 hours a day is about right for most adult dogs but bear in mind smaller or older dogs may not be able to go as far. If you’re not sure how much exercise your dog should be having, ask your veterinary practice for advice. Increase the length of your walks, encourage off lead exercise or encourage play with balls or toys. Playing hide and seek or chasing each other round can also be good exercise for us owners!

Doggy Delicacies

We all like to treat our dogs but try to stick to low calorie snacks on an occasional basis. Dogs are happy to be treated, they don’t need a huge volume so carrot sticks are a good choice or you could cut up treats and biscuits into small pieces to reduce the calories. Dogs love to please their owners so getting them to perform a trick for the treat can stimulate their brain as well as muscles. When it comes to sharing food, your best friend will be healthier and live longer if they eat a healthy diet so keep the ice cream and cake for yourself.

Getting Help

Just like us, some dogs struggle to lose weight and stay fit so don’t be afraid to ask for help. A lot of veterinary practices will run weightwatchers clinics or give free advice about weight, diet and lifestyle.

The fitter and more energetic your dog is the more they will enjoy life and the healthier they’ll be. Do the right thing for your precious pooch and let him have a beach body he can be proud of!

Emma Leyland
Bishop, Hendry & Edwards

June 2016