Fido gets fit

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Dogs are born to run, jump, chase and catch. And, along with a healthy diet, all that exercise keeps them healthy and happy. But many loving dog owners are dishing up too much food and not enough exercise. And it's a big deal. According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, 25 to 50 per cent of our pets are overweight. Obesity is one of the most common nutritional and medical disorders affecting companion animals. The related health problems can affect just about every organ, but most at risk are dogs' bones, ligaments and cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Unfortunately, love is blind, and many pet owners don't seem to notice that their dog has ballooned in size. But his behaviour may tell the tale: he may be slowing down, reluctant to climb stairs or having difficulty getting up. Some owners dismiss these changes as signs of advancing age or blame spaying or neutering. Age, breed and hormones do make a difference, but obesity in dogs, as in humans, results from too many calories and too little exercise.

How to start
So how should you and Fido start making healthy changes? First, check with your vet to rule out any medically related concerns. "For example, many breeds have an inherent risk of hypothyroidism, which needs to be treated with diet and medication," says Dr. Janet Lalonde, a veterinarian in Alexandria, Ont. Your vet will advise you on diet and may suggest a prescription pet food.

Then you can plan exercises that suit your dog's breed characteristics. Talk to your vet about that, too. Short-legged dogs, such as dachshunds, are not long-distance runners. Heavyset breeds, such as bassett hounds, aren't likely to leap for Frisbees. And dogs with pushed-in faces, such as pugs and bulldogs, can have trouble breathing when exercising.

Dr. Jeff Grognet, a veterinarian in Qualicum Beach, B.C., cautions that overweight dogs are more prone to joint damage, and dogs with arthritis can't tolerate strenuous activity. "Age is also a concern," he says, "but we can't make a general statement. A seven-year-old Great Dane is considered old, but an eight-year-old toy poodle is ready to run laps." Young dogs need special care, too. Vigorous play can injure puppies' rapidly growing limbs. (Read about TLC for an aging pet.)

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