AS many of us begin to make good on our resolutions to get in better shape by exercising more and losing weight, let’s not forget that our animal companions may be fighting the battle of the bulge, too. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 53 percent of dogs and 58 percent of cats are overweight or obese. Even if your furry family member isn’t tipping the scales, he or she could probably benefit from moving more—and January is a good time to get started on healthier exercise habits.
Just as humans do, dogs and cats need daily exercise to stay fit and maintain a healthy weight. Obesity lowers an animal’s quality of life and can lead to serious health problems, including diabetes, arthritis, kidney failure, high blood pressure and cancer. Being fat can shorten an animal’s life by years.
Walks are vital to dogs’ happiness and well-being. Daily strolls help dogs burn off excess fat and energy, and the outings provide dogs with mental stimulation through investigating new smells, sights and sounds. For friendly and outgoing dogs, meeting new humans and dogs along the way is also a welcome social activity. And of course, walks are good exercise for the one holding the leash, too.
Dogs need exercise even when the weather outside is frightful. A warm sweater or coat will help keep short-haired, young, elderly and small dogs comfortable, and boots can help protect dogs’ feet from snow, ice and snow-melting chemicals. In very cold temperatures, opt for multiple short walks instead of long ones and take your dog indoors immediately if he or she starts shivering. Always wipe off dogs’ legs, feet and undersides once they’re indoors, because salt and other chemicals can sicken animals who ingest or absorb them.
Make walks enjoyable for your dog by using a comfortable nylon harness (never a painful choke or prong collar) and letting your pup stop and sniff the “news” on the trees, bushes and fire hydrants. Put away your cell phone, remove your ear buds and pay attention so that you don’t accidentally jerk your dog along.
In addition to walks, many dogs love to chase Frisbees or balls in a fenced area, romp with other dogs at a dog park or swim at the beach or in a pool, but this should only be done under your constant supervision.
Cats are safest and healthiest when they live indoors with their human families, but they can enjoy fresh air and exercise outdoors under supervision in a securely fenced yard or walked on a leash with a harness.
There are plenty of ways to give your kitty indoor exercise, too. Multistory cat trees with scratching posts and perches encourage cats to jump, climb and stretch. Interactive toys that you bring to “life” by dangling and dragging them along the floor or furniture—such as the Cat Dancer and Cat Charmer—will get your cat’s heart and mind racing.
Many cats love to chase after laser pointer lights or flashlight beams—just be sure never to shine the light into your cat’s eyes. And you should always give him or her a “real” toy to bite and scratch afterward. Motorized “mice” are big hits, too.
Toys don’t have to be expensive or complicated. Rolled-up balls of paper and empty boxes or paper bags (with the handles removed) can provide hours of heart-pounding feline entertainment. To keep your cat interested, rotate toys weekly and sprinkle them with fresh catnip.
Taking the time to walk and play with our animal companions every day will help them be their healthiest and happiest—and it will do our own hearts good, too.
Lindsay Pollard-Post / People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Tribune News Service