Weight Loss for Pets

A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION: Weight Loss for Pets

Many of us will be setting resolutions this upcoming New Year's day and plenty of people share the common goal of losing weight.

We all know that losing a few pounds can be extremely beneficial to our health, so why don't we apply that same resolution to our pets?

A New Year's Resolution: Weight Loss for Pets


According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 54% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese!

The New Year is the perfect time to make weight loss a resolution for your pet.

The Figures

Numerous studies report that there is an obesity epidemic in horse populations.

Vet Supply Source has compiled the best tips to help your cat, dog or horse lose some weight in 2016!


Determine A Healthy WeightWhether you have a dog, cat or horse, you'll need to determine if they are at a healthy weight.

Your veterinarian will be able to accurately determine an appropriate weight, but often it’s easy to tell if they are noticeably overweight.


Adjust Their DietThe first tactic you can employ to help your pet lose weight is simply to exercise portion control.

Choosing a diet that is low in calories will help you ensure your pet reaches a healthy weight.


Exercise Tips For Dog Owners• Run your dog up and down the stairs

• Steps add an additional challenge to their workout• Shine a laser pointer back and forth across a room and let them chase

it back and forth• Set up an obstacle course with tunnels and various jumping points• Make them work for their treats by hiding them in various locations• Play fetch and tug of war• Take your dog on numerous walks around the neighborhood• Place them on a treadmill at the lowest speed and gradually increase

the speed as they adjust over time.• Walk your dog around a pet store and let them explore the aisles

In order to have your dog lose some weight, consider the following exercises to help them burn fat and calories:


Exercise Tips For Cat Owners• Cats love laser pointers and you can shine one all over a room; they will have

fun chasing after it• Give them battery-powered toys that can move around on the floor to get them

active and engaged• Provide your cat with safe vertical spaces like perch towers so that they can

actively jump around • Separate the food and water bowls so they get mini-workouts going between

the two• Move their food bowl from the counter to the floor in intervals so they must

jump up and down• Flutter a string, ribbon or feather from a stick to get them on the move• You may try to take them for a walk with a cat harness, but this method can be

very difficult if your cat is temperamental

Cats can be a little tougher to engage in exercise but try these suggestions to help them lose weight:


Exercise Tips For Horse Owners

• Ride your horse on a trail that has varying terrain and obstacles• Go up hills to build their rear and also helps their canter work• Trot over small logs because it'll help your horse pick up their legs higher• Trot slowly downhill to improve their back leg strength• Trot through sand for a more challenging workout that helps increase their leg

muscles

• Take them to the arena for a few laps to build up their endurance; this can be a great cardio workout.

• Make sure to sprinkle in some obstacles they can jump over to help increase their fitness level.

• Start with low jumps and gradually increase the height

• Try to ride them every day so they are constantly exercising

Getting your horse in shape can be as easy as riding them! Here are some suggestions to get them moving:


Every pet parent wants the best for their furry friends and helping them lose weight is the best way to make sure they have a long and happy life. Give them everything they need to achieve their New Year's Resolution by checking out pet supplies online from Vet Supply Source!

Final Thoughts

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Lifestyle

Weight Loss for Pets