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FITNESS & NUTRITION

Fitness

Exercise should be an integral part of every dog’s life. There are many benefits to keeping your dog fit – it will keep their joints lubricated, muscles toned and keep them in good cardiovascular health. Most dogs should be walked a minimum of two times a day for a good 20 minutes at the least. In the summer months, you probably want to do it at night when the weather is cooler so that your pet does not get overheated. If your dog has never really been on a long walk, you should build them up slowly so you don’t overexert them. Start off with short but frequent walks, then, increase the amount of time you walk each time.  Always consult your veterinarian if you have any exercise concerns or your pet has difficulties exercising.

Fun Workout Tips for You and Your Dog

Smart practical pointers to boost playtime together for healthier living.

Nothing beats a good walk with your best friend, but that's not your only option for providing a workout that fits just right with a longer, healthier life.
Exercise Tips

  • Regular walk
    Take your dog to the local park or just along the street.
  • Resistance walk
    Try to walk your dog on different surfaces like sand, shallow water, fallen leaves, snow or on a rough surface.
  • Enhanced walk
    Use obstacles when you're out walking like benches, trees, ditches and logs for your dog to jump over, crawl under or balance on.
  • Fetch
    Throwing a ball or toy is great exercise for your dog, and you can make him work harder by doing it on a hillside or stairs. Don't throw sticks, though, as they can splinter and cause injury.
  • Hide and Seek
    Hide a toy or some kibbles and let your dog find it.
  • Swimming
    Ideal for dogs with arthritis or back problems.
  • Obstacle courses
    Set up low hurdles (use a broom stick across two objects), tunnels (available from pet shops or use cardboard boxes) and a slalom course (objects set one yard apart) to exercise your dog.

Tips courtesy Hill's Pet Nutrition®

NUTRITION

Nutrition plays a big part in your pets’ health and longevity. Being overweight can cause your pet discomfort, reduce energy levels and even shorten their life. Just as in people, weight gain is usually associated with excessive calorie and fat intake combined with a lack of exercise.. All contestants in the Healthiest Hound Contest, will have a custom designed food plan consisting of Hills Prescription Diet® Canine dry or wet food based on their weight loss goal, medical history, food allergies etc..  The Hills food is designed specifically for the management of dogs that are overweight or obese. Its low fat, reduced calorie, high fiber, high lysine formula helps dogs lose weight while helping them feel full. 

Some Recommended Diet Foods are:

 Science Diet (over the counter)  
Hill Prescription Diet
• Soft
• Dry
• Weightloss – Soft or Dry
• Maintenance – Soft or Dry

Not Sure?
Not sure where to begin or what diet is right for your pet.  Make an appointment with a DocSide Veterinarian to establish a plan that will achieve the optimal health and weight loss results for your dog.

TREATS (Treat Translator)
Treats are not recommended for dogs on a restricted, or weight loss diet plan. However, if you are going to give your special friend a rare treat we recommend  one of the following:

  • Raw vegetables such as baby carrots, green beans, pea or skinned apples;
  • Hills Prescription Diet Canine Treats;
  • Less Active Biscuit from Iams;
  • Purina Pro-Plan Chicken and Rice Biscuits
  • Alpo Jerky Bits
  • Bil Jac Liver Treats

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