It starts every year the day after Christmas. Ads for a new you are everywhere. New and improved weight-loss programs, exercise equipment and gym packages flood our senses.
So, it was no surprise in early January when I received one of my favorite dog magazines, Dogster, and the issue was devoted to getting and keeping your canine in tip-top shape. Titles included Weight loss tips that work and 5 best exercises for dogs.
Our two previous dogs, Mocha and Lucy, at certain times in their lives were a pound or two overweight. Increased activity, especially in the warmer months, usually took care of that.
Teddy, my familys 5-year-old Lab, weighs 60 pounds. He is on the small side for male Labs. The breeds males typically weigh between 60 and 80 pounds.
For his size, Teddy is perfect. But colder weather means more indoor time with less physical activity for him. I was interested to see what types of solutions the magazine offered to keep Teddy fit and trim.
The article on exercise was a list of five activities to keep your dog moving regardless of age. Swimming, biking, mini-hikes, sniffaris and playing with a flirt pole are all great energy- and calorie-burners but not always practical for winter, so I quickly moved on.
Arden Moores article, 10 real weight-loss tips that work, listed tips that could apply to any dog regardless of size.
Moore writes there are actually fat farms, weight-loss centers and diet pills for dogs needing to shed a few pounds. I wondered for a few minutes about what I had just read, then I laughed. Back to the tips.
The second tip, Swap out treats for calorie-free praise, should have been written, Karin, give Teddy more verbal praise and less treats.
The Lab knows if Im in the kitchen and he gives me his famous large, round cow-eyes look Ill head for his cookie jar. Im more than happy to give Teddy praise and a cookie for the simplest tasks. Sitting, standing, waiting, not destroying the house when Im gone all get praise and treats. Games successfully played earn treats. Letting me take his picture involves treats.
Teddy has my number.
The seventh tip, offering high-nutrient, low-calorie veggies, was something we already do. That tip soothed my bruised ego just a bit. Theres always a bag of baby carrots in the refrigerator just for the canine. Moore suggests substituting a baby carrot or a piece of zucchini for a pizza crust.
I dont like pizza crusts and occasionally I have given one to Teddy. Well, bud, I said to my writing companion basking in the winter sun, no more pizza crusts for you. I think the pooch gave me the stink eye.
The sixth tip, recognizing certain breeds are prone to obesity, was an eye-opener. The first breed on the list, you guessed it, was the Labrador Retriever. I again looked at my beloved writing companion and said, You are officially number one on your moms staying-in-shape list.
Teddy got up, stretched, then walked into the family room and laid down beside his dad.
Thank you for reading the Dayton Daily News and for supporting local journalism. Subscribers: log in for access to your daily ePaper and premium newsletters.
Thank you for supporting in-depth local journalism with your subscription to the Dayton Daily News. Get more news when you want it with email newsletters just for subscribers. Sign up here.
COUNTING CANINE CALORIES
1. Weigh your dog on a reliable scale
2. Divide you dogs weight by 2.2
3. Multiply this figure time 30
4. Add 70 and you will have the number of calories to feed a typical dog
SOURCE: Dogster, February/March 2020
Read the original here:
How to keep Fido fit in 2020 - Dayton Daily News
