How to Help Your Overweight Dog Slim Down
Dogs, like people, tend to gain a little weight as they get older. While this is mostly fine for us humans, as a pound or two isn’t too bad of a difference, for dogs, gaining a pound or two is a much larger percentage of overall bodyweight, and can come with more severe consequences, particularly for dogs that are already prone to health problems, such as hip issues. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can be difficult—especially if your pet is a pro at puppy dog eyes, which we all know are hard to resist. For an easier time slimming your dog down, check out our tips. Cut Back on Food It may seem like a no-brainer, but cutting back on your dog’s food is the easiest way to help them lose weight. Of course, you don’t have to go to extremes. If you feed them dry food, reduce the amount by a few tablespoons at each meal. Similar to how we humans can lose weight by simply reducing calories a little bit each day, dogs will slim down naturally by feeding them just a little bit less than they are used to. Switching their traditional treats to things like vegetables like carrots or green beans can help them feel like they’re still getting treats, but with fewer calories than traditional dog bones or treats. If you want to lower the amount of dog food they are eating without making them feel hungry, adding a few tablespoons back of things like frozen peas can help satiate them, also. Play Fetch If you don’t have much extra time in your day to go on extra walks, you can help supplement the amount of exercise your dog gets by playing fetch inside. If you have a long hallway, throw a ball down the length and play with your dog until he or she gets tired. Alternatively, find a toy they like playing tug of war with and play tug of war with them for a while. Any extra physical activity, even if it’s just a few minutes, will help them slim down and get into better shape. Remember that their needs are less than what we might need to lose weight—a five-minute run around the house is similar to us running a mile or two. Bring Them to a Dog Park or Daycare Going to the gym is always more enjoyable with a buddy and the same idea applies to Fido. Consider hiring a dog walker to come in a few times a week to help ramp up their physical activity. The added exercise will have your pooch looking trim in no time. You can also drop your dog off at a doggie daycare facility or bring them to a dog park where multiple dogs are playing, as this will help them with socialization while they get some exercise in. Running around and playing with other animals will get their heart rate going and help them get in shape. If you need help learning how to get your dog to a healthier weight, you can also talk to your vet—they may be able to advise you on what types of foods are better for animals who are overweight. How did you help your dog lose weight? Let us know about it!
Cool Gadgets for Pets and Pet Owners
We’ve all taken a laser pointer and pointed it on the floor to play with cats. Playing with pets using little gadgets can make pet ownership a little more fun, but there are also products on the market designed to make your life easier, more organized or interesting that are pet-related—and we don’t just mean vacuums that are designed to tackle tumbleweeds of pet hair. If you’re looking for something unique to give as a gift to a pet lover you know or you just want to treat yourself, you’ll love this round-up of great gadgets. Watch Their Weight and Fitness Fitness-minded folks have probably already heard of devices like FitBit that track every step you take and every minute you sleep, but you may not know about the FitBark. A similar concept, this device tracks the amount of activity your dog does and when he or she last ate, which helps ensure that your pooch is getting enough exercise or that Fido wasn’t accidentally fed the same meal twice—a common issue for owners who sometimes can’t remember if they fed the dog yet or don’t know if someone else already did. This will help you make sure your dog stays healthy, which can be beneficial to you as well—dog hasn’t walked enough today? Time for both of you to get some exercise! Pet Chatz Perfect for dogs with separation anxiety or owners who don’t get to see their pets as much as they might like, Pet Chatz lets you have a videoconference with your pooch. Check in on them during the day if you’re at work, or if you’re on vacation and someone else is watching them. This device also allows you to give your pet a treat remotely, so you can even do things like work on tricks with them while you’re away! Garmin Astro Dog Tracking System For dog owners who let their dogs roam off leash or in the backyard unsupervised, there’s always the very real fear that they’ll run off somewhere. Contrary to popular belief, the microchips used in dogs don’t actually track where the dog is—instead, they simply list information to contact the owner should the dog be found. This system, however, actually tracks where your dog is. Put the special collar on them, and follow their actions on the handheld unit! Halo Mini Dog Collar If you like going for late-night walks or going running with your dog, making sure they stay visible is important. This collar lights up so that cars and other people can see them easily. Perfect for camping or just keeping track of your pet in the dark. Do you use any fun or helpful gadgets with your pet? Let us know in the comments
February Dogs of the Month are
Pia and Bertie! Bert: Is a Bichon Silky Terrier that was to be euthanized at Animal Care and Control when I found her there in 2008. She’s probably 8 or 9 but acts a lot like a puppy. She’s full of piss and vinegar and drives everyone in our neighborhood crazy! She’s very smart and barky and her favorite things in life are her stuffed weasel, walking with Keith and dog treats. She also likes to sleep on the heater vent. Pia: Came to us from Paws. I think she found me. It’s a longer story than that but she found us when we most needed her and I suspect she needed us as well. She is an angel. She has been a most loving companion. She snuggles and follows us around the house. She could take or leave Bertie, but loves us and dog treats and Keith! We think she doesn’t know she’s a dog because she really doesn’t care to do dog things. I’m guessing she’s 10 or 11.