Shed a few pounds!!
Could Peaches stand to drop a few pounds? Does Cali need some calisthenics?
Now that you've been working on your own resolutions for a couple weeks, how about helping your pets with theirs?
Ironically, many of the resolutions recommended for pets are the same we make for ourselves — lose weight, exercise more and generally live a better life. Perhaps a partnership will be good for both of you.
More pets than ever are overweight, according to a recent national study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. That's 44 percent of dogs and 57 percent of cats. And guess who's mostly to blame?
"The easiest way to help shed pounds off your pooch or kitty is to stop giving too many treats — table scraps, cookies, soft chews," says veterinarian Autumn McKenzie at Oakhurst Veterinary Center in Seminole.
"Each cookie is like giving them a chocolate bar!"
Limit treats to two or three a day and ask your vet about low-fat treats, she suggests.
Another tip: Cut back on meal portions to cut calories. Don't always follow suggestions on the bag of dog or cat food; they may be wrong for your pet's body size, stage of life or metabolism. Ask your vet about the right amount for your pet.
Mealtime shouldn't be a daylong buffet, either, McKenzie says.
"If your dog or cat does not eat their food within an hour, take it away — feed twice a day."
Your vet may also recommend a prescription weight loss diet, one with high fiber that make pets feel full but is low in calories.
Fortunately, dogs love exercise — er, I mean play. Take an extra walk, double the length of your normal walk or find a new dog park for special outings a few times a week.
Cats can be a bit more challenging when it comes to exercise, so you'll have to be persistent and creative.
"Find or create things for kitty that will be environmentally stimulating to reduce boredom and increase their activity," suggests Sonja Olson of Florida Veterinary Specialists in Tampa. For best results, play with your cat. Just tossing a toy and leaving the room is likely to lead to a catnap.
