Could Peaches stand to drop a few pounds? Does Cali need some calisthenics? Maybe Fido needs more manners! Then why not resolve to help them as we turn the page on the calendar to a brand new year.  Who knows, you might find yourself losing weight, getting fit and having a ball in the process.

Ironically, many of the resolutions experts recommend for pets are the same ones we make for ourselves — to lose weight, exercise more and generally live a better life. Perhaps this pet and parent partnership, (should you and your pet chose to accept the challenge) will be good practice for keeping your personal New Year’s Resolutions in 2009.

Lose weight in ’09 

“The easiest way to help shed pounds off your pooch or kitty is to stop giving too many treats – table scraps, cookies, soft chews, etcetera,” explains veterinarian, Autumn McKenzie at Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital in Seminole, Florida. “Each cookie is like giving them a chocolate bar!” She suggests limiting treats to two to three a day and to ask your veterinarian about “low-fat” treats. 

Another tip, cut back on the amount of food fed to cut calories.  Don’t always follow suggestions on the bag of dog or cat food – these may be wrong for your pet’s body size, stage of life and metabolism – contact your veterinarian for an appropriate amount to feed per day. 

Also, McKenzie says to try ‘meal-feeding’ versus ‘buffet style’ feeding. “If your dog or cat does not eat their food within an hour, take it away - feed twice a day.” And if necessary, your veterinarian may recommend placing your pet on prescription weight loss diet, one that contains high fiber that makes pets feel full but has fewer calories.

Scamper and Pounce More

Fortunately, dogs love to exercise — err, I mean to play!  Up their ante on activity by taking an extra walk, double the length of your normal walk or find a new dog park nearby for a special outing a few times a week. Your dog will love meeting (and sniffing) new dogs and you might make a new friend or two as well.

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 Dr. Sonja Olson of Florida Veterinary Specialists in Tampa, Florida.

Olson adds that playtime is great bonding time for you and your pet. Play together with your cat for best results. Just tossing them a toy and leaving the room is likely to lead to a catnap instead of a calorie-burning session! 

Some pets embody several qualities that make them ideal exercise buddies, such as consistency of routine, scheduling flexibility and compatible fitness level. But not all pets are suited for extensive exercise. Be safe and schedule a visit with your pet’s vet before embarking on a fitness routine.

Mind Their Manners

If you need to polish your pet’s manners or spice up their command repertoire, talk to a trainer. Ask friends, family or your veterinarian to recommend a good one — one that uses positive techniques and positive reinforcement.
 

“Make some rules and be consistent,” says Bark Busters’ master dog behavioral therapist and trainer Jeff Drier in Tampa, Florida. “Dogs, being dogs, expect and thrive on rules.”

Consistency is key. Don’t let your dogs do something today and correct them for it tomorrow. Dogs are lifelong learners, they love learning new things and if you make it fun and learn to communicate with them on their level they can learn very quickly.

This year, make a New Year’s Resolution you can keep. Help your pet live a healthier, happier life. Whether your best friend is furry, finned or feathered, this promise-pact is a win-win for you both!

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