I’ve heard it said before that if your dog is fat you probably aren’t getting enough exercise. Atlanta Dogs Examiner Sandy Weaver Carman decided to delve into this issue since today is Fitness and Weight Loss Day.
Not only do people suffer from overeating and lack of exercise, many times their lifestyle affects the dog. Most dogs are at least a little overweight, which can shorten their life span.
The following study is great reason to get up off the couch and out the door for a walk. Getting daily exercise benefits you and your dog.
A University of Missouri-Columbia study took a group of obese people, issued them each a dog and gave them a walking regimen for 50 weeks. They started with 10-minute walks three times a week and gradually increased it to twenty-minutes walks five times a week. At the end of the study, the average weight loss was 14 pounds per person, with no other change in their eating or lifestyle except walking the dog.
Most people find they walk longer when they’re walking with a dog. They forget to stress about all the other things they “should” be doing. They just get into the zone of watching their dog enjoy the world. Walking a dog is great exercise for both of you, and is a stress-buster that most of us could use in our day.
Some veterinary hospitals even run weight loss clubs for dogs, including monthly meetings, a weight-loss counselor, PT sessions and more.
Being overweight is dangerous regardless if you have two or four legs, exercise is key to a happy and healthy life.
