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Why we shouldn't do what we always do
Our pets aren't just a commodity, they are also part of our family. We need to remember that they trust us unconditionally and we should deserve that trust. To do this, we must keep them fit and healthy. So the next time your pet wants to play and you want to watch television, remind yourself that a healthy pet is an active pet and that it should also work as a incentive for yourself! Put down the potato chips, get off the couch, and go exercise with your best friend!
Notes on healthy exercises
1. How much our pet exercises are always reflected back on the owners, our pets may play with another animal or entertain themselves briefly with toys, but the most important factor and motivator for them are still us, their owners.
2. Like humans, if our pet is obese and not used to the exercise we need to be careful to not over-exercise them...gradual and moderate exercises for an obese animal will prevent any possible harmful strain on their already stressed bodies and start him up into a healthier lifestyle. Watching an overweight animal for signs of fatigue is important, and stop exercise if necessary.
3. As our pets get used to the exercise we can increase the amount and intensity gradually . The easiest should be to take him for 2 short walks a day. Five to fifteen minutes each walk may be enough for the obese dog, again taking note for signs of fatigue and stop when necessary as each pet's obese levels and endurance vary. Usually a increase to two or three 30 minute, brisk walks per day, again adjusted to each pet.
4. Provide water every few minutes for the dog to help prevent overheating.
5. Utilize joint-friendly activities such as swimming.
6. Play games, such as fetch, catch, or Frisbee.
7. Allow play with other dogs, if appropriate.
8. Increase your household activities and let the pets join in. The more you walk around the house, the more the pets will walk, if invited.
9. As your dog starts to feel better and lose weight, jogging can help accelerate the weight loss process.
10. Consider exercising and playing in group activities, such as agility training.
11. Exercise your pet every single day.
12. Do not assume that walking a cat with a harness is exercising; it is not. Cats on a leash tend to meander at their own pace, wherever the whim takes them. It is a nice way to get fresh air, but not a method to burn calories.
13. Cats can chase Ping-Pong balls, wadded-up paper, rubber balls, or remote-controlled toys. They enjoy attacking feathers on poles or other commercially available toys. Be creative, and think like a cat to create toys for your pet.
14. A little catnip can help bring out the kitten in your cat and increase playtime activities.
Tips to reduce calories
1. Do not give your pets scraps, human food were never meant for our pets, the salt, the oil and many other things 10 in 10 are harmful to them and it will also make them refuse food made for dogs and always wait for dinner time.
2. It's ok and encouraged to ignore "begging eyes." This will eventually diminish the behavior, to give in even once will destroy any chances that they will learn for a long time.
3. Ignore vocal complaints and toe-bites from frustrated felines, like point 2 they will give up in time.
4. Replace your need to give treats as a sign of love. Instead, give your pet a massage, a walk, some obedience work, or other attention, instead of food. Treats are ok on occasion but most owners tend to over-indulge in this aspect, when the right thing to do would've been showing them affection, commending them in a happy tone they did something right or other acts but not food.
5. Slightly reduce the amount of commercial food you are feeding, it's not advisable to simply always have their bowl of food filled. Your veterinarian can tell you if the food is appropriate and the amount to feed your pet. Cut back approximately 15% of the ration. Reduction in food can result in deficiencies of vital nutrients, so consult your veterinarian before simply reducing the amount of food.
6. Measure the food at each meal for accuracy.
7. Keep water available at all times.
8. Eliminate free-choice feeding of dry foods and do not leave canned food out for more than a few minutes at each feeding.
9. Be patient. It may take several months for a pet to lose needed weight.
10. Consider a "diet food". Available as prescription products, or from your local store, these products are traditionally lower in fat and higher in fiber. They allow the pet to consume the same volume of food with fewer calories. Some of the newer diet foods are high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Not all animals can digest these diet foods. Any changes in diet should be made gradually over one to two weeks. Ask your veterinarian for advice.
11. Feed smaller portions more often. If your pet is usually fed once per day, switching to two, three or even four smaller feedings can actually reduce calories and help the animal feel full.
12. Weigh your pet regularly so that you know if your plan is working. Aim for a gradual weight reduction of approximately 1% of the pet's body weight per week. Most animals can lose between 0.5% and at most, 2% of their body weight per week. A large dog may be able to tolerate up to a loss of 1½ pounds per week. Rapid weight loss is dangerous, especially for cats. Cats that lose weight too rapidly can suffer from hepatic lipidosis, a life-threatening disease.
13. If you have other pets, separate the dieting one during feeding. This reduces competition and the urge to eat more.
4 comments:
That's quite a lot of useful advice. What's most interesting, I guess most of these points would apply more to the pets' owners then the pets themselves : P
My cat was just neutered and has increased weight, those calorie tips will come in handy!
Happy 2012, btw! :D
I have husky's and boy are they on the move! I ave to take them out a few times a day, on the other hand I'm getting my excersize as well ;)
I don't think I've ever had a fat pet
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