Fido need exercise too

Published 11:06 pm Saturday, March 12, 2011

Has all the cold weather and snow got you down and feeling less active? Our lives are hectic and it is easy to find yourself skimping on exercise.

As winter is starting to fade away to warmer days and brighter skies, it is time to start spending more time outdoors. And who likes to exercise and being outside more than Fido? No one!

Spring is God’s time of new beginnings. What better time to commit to a healthier and more active lifestyle for you and Fido. It is a sad fact that the U.S. continues to gain more weight every year and when we gain, our pets gain too.

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It is no secret that obesity in humans is linked to all kinds of health problems, which are causing us to die years earlier than we are designed to. As it turns out, the same is true for our canine counterparts.

Embarking on a get-healthy program with your dog as your fitness partner can give you extra motivation and encouragement, two key ingredients for success.

An expert at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago did a study of overweight dog owners who dieted and exercised, mostly walking, with their pets versus a group who exercised solo.

While both groups lost five to eight percent of their body weight, the group who had a canine partner had higher quality ratings, saying they actually enjoyed the time exercising!

I don’t want to forget to mention that the canine partners lost around 12 percent of their weight. Lucky dogs!

Just start by starting. If you need to start by just walking around the block, grab Fido’s leash and do it.

The hardest part is starting. If you’re out-of-shape, it will feel uncomfortable, but the more you stick with it, the better you and Fido will feel. You both will not only benefit physically, but mentally as well. Ample amounts of physical activity will improve the quality of your life and your dog’s life.

It will lower your stress levels and Fido will be happier, because he will burn off his excess energy.

To reap the true benefits of exercise, you must actually do it. Make it a priority or an “appointment.” Say to yourself, “Every day at 6 p.m., I am going to take my dog on a mile walk.”

Then just stick to it like you would any other appointment. After several days it will become routine and after several more days it will be a lifestyle change.

Making exercise a priority will benefit you and your dog.

You both will be happier, less stressed, and more satisfied. Fido will thank you, and when you live passed 120, you will be thankful that you got to see your great grandkids graduate college.

Remember, every dog deserves to be treated like a show dog.

Tony and Kate Barker are certified pet groomers who own and operate The BARKer Shop in Ironton. For questions, call 740-532-0088.