How fit is Fido?
Pet obesity is a growing concern. To determine if your dog or cat is overweight, Dr. Patricia Stapley Chase, a member of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, suggests asking yourself the following questions:
• Can I feel his ribs? If your pet is overweight, this will be difficult.
• Do I see an upward slope from the rib cage to the back legs when I look at him from the side? Straight across or a downward slope means your pet may have a weight problem.
• Do I see an hourglass shape when I look at him from above? There should be a curvy outline from the rib cage to the hips.
To maintain a healthy weight, dogs need 15 to 20 minutes of physical activity -- walking, playing fetch -- three times a day, and cats need to be active -- chasing a ball, playing -- for the same amount of time, twice a day.(Remember: you and your pet need to exercise smart in the summer heat.)
But diet is just as important. Stapley Chase suggests asking your vet what your pet's caloric intake should be, then choosing the appropriate food. Make sure that any extra treats, such as cookies or table scraps, fit within your pet's daily limit. "It's better to choose a light food that's lower in fat and higher in fibre than to cut down on your pet's regular food because he may go hungry or not get enough nutrition," says Stapley Chase.
(Click here for tips on how to keep your aging pet healthy and happy.)
Talking about dogs
Understanding your dog's body language and habits will strengthen the bond you share. Two new books -- one for kids and one for adults -- decipher the message behind the wag. 'If Your Dog Could Talk...' (Dorling Kindersley, 2006) by Dr. Bruce Fogle explains every aspect of a dog's life, from bringing a dog home and living with one to his social life and habits. Colour photographs show basic canine behaviours, such as dominance and attention-seeking, as well as more complex issues, such as social order and possessiveness. Training tips go far beyond Sit and Stay by uncovering the reason behind an action and providing the appropriate human reaction.
'If I Had a Dog' (Tundra, 2006), written by Carolyn Jackson and illustrated by France Brassard, is a guidebook woven through a storyline about Maxine, a dog-crazy six-year-old. Young readers join Maxine and her brother, Hugh, on a neighbourhood tour of dog behaviour. Through colour illustrations and veterinarian-approved information, kids learn how to approach, greet, care for and communicate with dogs.
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