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  • Is Your Pet a Couch Potato

Is Your Pet a Couch Potato

  • 3-2-2011
  • Categorized in: Pets

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Too much food and not enough exercise lead to one thing: A pudgy pup or fat cat! Not all pets are created equal, and while some are born to run and can’t wait to play ball or catch a Frisbee, others - due in part to age or weight - may be less likely (or willing) to get moving.

Nobody knows your pet better than you do. If your dog or cat would rather lie on the couch in the sun rather than exploring, then they fit into the couch potato category.

If your pet is a lazy couch potato, a simple first step is to try to feed them the proper amount of calories for his or her activity level. If Fluffy or Fido is at a healthy weight, then you are feeding them the right amount. On the other hand, if your pet has become less active, if the amount you feed them may have remained the same, he or she is going to gain weight. Pets who are not exercising regularly should be eating fewer calories (unless there is a medical condition present that requires more food). If you pet is overweight, consult with your vet. It’s not a good idea to cut calories without supervision.

Who is to blame?
You: Like you, your animal needs regular exercise, and that means at least one walk a day, the more the better.

Age: As we grow older, our energy levels can drop, and the same goes for your pets.

Injury or illness: Physical aliments can make it harder for your animal to get moving. This is not always a permanent situation, so if the illness is being treated, talk to your vet about making certain adjustment to your animal’s workout routine.

Overweight: If your pet is already overweight, getting him or her to move is going to be difficult. It’s crucial that they are placed on a regular diet and exercise regime, so talk to your vet about what you can do to get your pet back to a healthy weight.

There are many ways to help your pet: Stop with the treats and snacks as they are usually high in calories and your animals don’t really need them.

Also, try to feed him or her less, but consult with a vet before you do this, as there are a number of low calorie foods available. Pay attention to the measuring cup when doling out food, and make sure that you aren’t over or under-feeding them. But most importantly, make sure to get them exercising!

The active cat!
When it comes to cats, stimulating your cats and kittens helps them live longer, happier lives. Cats need to have fun and be challenged and it’s up to you to get them up and moving around. If you have an indoor cat, you need to provide her with proper stimulation. Games and climbers are a great way to get her moving. Also, many felines love interaction and toy mice and birds are great stimulators, but if you are at home, they could really use some one-on-one playtime, so be sure to take the time to have fun with your pet. Making your cat’s domain more enriching will help them live longer lives. You can do this in a number of ways:

 - Grab a few cardboard boxes, cut holes in all the sides, and place an old blanket or scratching bed inside. You can stack them and move them around your home. Cats love furniture in different places and get bored easily if everything is in the same place.

- Place a bird feeder in a nearby window. Cats love to bird watch, and this is a simple thing and goes a really long way. Do not put a feeder out if you have an outdoor cat.

- If you live in an apartment then a bird feeder may be more challenging, so check out the DVD series Cat Sitter. It will provide Fluffy with hours of fun as the images change frequently and your cats will love it. This DVD is great when you are not home. For cats who don’t like the TV, you can try the free app Pet Acoustics. The important thing is to get her thinking and moving. 

 

The active dog!
Taking your dog out for a walk is an easy way to get your pooch active, and there are always ways to make things interesting for both youyou’re your pup. Make your daily walk (or walks) more of a challenge with these tips and tricks:

- Try resistance walking on different surfaces like sand or snow.

- Make things challenging by picking a trail that has ditches or holes, trees, or other obstacles. This is a great way to get Fido jumping over things or crawling under them.

- Throw around a ball or a Frisbee. You can make it a little more challenging by doing it on a hill. Try using a ball or chew toy, as sticks are not the best choice since they can splinter and injure you pooch.

- Play hide and seek. Hiding a toy or kibbles around the house will keep him busy and get him moving. This is a great game, especially in winter.

- In the summer, how about swim time? Most dogs love to get wet. If your dog is suffering with joint or back problems or even arthritis, hydrotherapy may work, so talk to your vet.

Exercising your dog only on weekends can do more harm than good, especially if your pooch suffers from arthritis. Like us, animals can get sore and stiff after a rigorous workout. Daily walks for a shorter period of time are ideal and will keep Fido healthy and happy. The bottom line is that animals, like us, need exercise, stimulation and attention, so get moving today!  

 

Candice Batista is a green lifestyle expert and journalist and is the host and producer of Pet Central on The Pet Network. www.candicebatista.com 



Comments (1)

Chassidy
Said this on 7-9-2011 At 09:31 pm
Wow! That's a ralely neat answer!
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