By Jill Sherer Murray for WebVet
While human obesity is at an all-time high, so too is dog obesity , with 25 to 40 percent of American dogs -- an estimated 17 million -- overweight. Exercising with your dog can be a great motivator for both of you to get -- and stay -- fit, happy and healthy.
"It's as difficult a battle for dogs as it can be for us,'' Chicago veterinarian Dr. Tony Kremer said, adding that being heavy is not only unhealthy, but can also slow a dog and a person down. Following are a few suggestions for winning the battle.
Kibble in bits
Just as it is for you, so it goes for your dog: The first step to losing weight involves a balanced and healthy diet. "It's amazing how many people think their dog isn't eating enough, and yet so many dogs are overweight,'' Kremer said.
The problem starts, he said, when pet owners -- fueled by either a sense of duty or guilt in leaving pets home alone -- want to do something nice for them. So they give them a tasty (translation: high-fat and high-salt) treat.
Sound familiar?
Instead, Kremer recommends finding another way to respond to a dog's perceived need for attention. "Usually, it just wants positive reinforcement,'' he said. "And you can do that in moderation -- for your pet and yourself.''
For the dog, in particular, he recommends putting its normal kibble in a plastic container and rattling it, then giving it one piece, followed by praise.
A daily walk for good measur...
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