Getting Fit With Fido

(CARLSBAD, CA) - Researchers at Northwestern Medical School in Chicago took a novel approach to fitness when they put pets and their owners on a diet and exercise program and found it worked well for both.

When it comes to body weight, dogs suffer the same fate as humans with more than half tipping the scales at least 10 percent above their ideal weight. And, just as with humans, obesity-related disorders such as heart disease and diabetes rank high as the cause of death of our beloved canines, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

What’s an owner to do? Combine forces and become more active together. In the Northwestern Medical School study, three groups were recruited: 56 people, 53 dogs and 36 dogs and their owners.

All the human participants attended weekly counseling sessions on diet and exercise and were encouraged to walk at least 20 minutes a day and limit calories to 1,400 per day. The dogs all were fed a prescription diet according to the ideal weight for their breed and age.

After a year, the dog owners appeared to do slightly better than the study participants who dieted and exercised alone, mainly because they reported enjoying the program more. The dogs lost an average of 12 pounds, and not surprisingly, owners reported that their pets experienced increases in energy as they lost weight and improved their level of fitness.

Dogs can be great motivators, too, as they wait anxiously at the door for their morning and evening walks. But pets should follow the same basic rules as humans when embarking on an exercise program.

— Brisk walking is an ideal activity for both you and your pooch, but keep the pace moderate and the distance reasonable. Increase your speed and mileage gradually, and keep in mind that smaller dogs have to work harder to cover even short distances.

— Be conscious of the surface. Pavement can be hot, and gravel surfaces can be rough on tender paws.

— Hydration is just as important for your dog as it is for you. Be sure your pup has the opportunity to drink water before and after exercise, even during if you are out for more than an hour.

— Be consistent. Try to give your dog activity every day, not just on the weekends.

— Watch for signs that your dog has had enough: drooping tongue, rapid panting, staggered walking, muscle tremors or limping.

If you take your pet for a walk or jog, don’t forget to stretch your own legs.  Your dog will do this instinctively, but you need to remember to take a few minutes to stretch.  Try the following seated hamstring/calf stretch to lengthen the muscles along the back of your legs, which typically need stretching after even the most leisurely stroll.

Sit forward in a chair with your feet firmly on the floor and your knees and toes pointing forward. Extend your left leg forward, straightening your knee and flexing your toes upward.  Wrap a long towel around your foot, holding one end in each hand. Sit tall, keeping your back straight, your shoulders relaxed, and your abdominal muscles pulled in tight.  Slowly tip forward from your hip, gently pulling upward on the towel until you feel a stretch along the entire length of your leg.  Hold for 20 to 30 seconds, breathing naturally.  Repeat with the other leg.

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Courtesy of Jazzercise, Inc. - jazzercise.com