The rewards of healthy, happy pets!
Let's avoid fat, obese pets!

Here at the Heat Fitness we've developed a new initiative to keep the nation’s pets at the peak of fitness by bringing awareness to dog owners about fitness regimes and nutrition along side their canine friends. The Heat also introduces animal food diaries for use by vets!

Generally speaking, if a dog's owner is active, so is the dog. We are in a nation of obesity so is it really fair to take our animals down the same unhealthy track? What are the rewards? Poor health, low energy levels, more visits to the doctors, higher pet bills and/or insurance costs? The benefits of exercise for us and our pets go on and on; it’s just a case of implementing a regime that fits into our lifestyles.

The first thing to remember is that if we don’t have time to exercise ourselves, how can we possibly keep our pets fit and healthy? Combining a routine for both owner and animal is a great way to save time and make it fun for both!

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE DIARY (.DOC)

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE DIARY (.DOC)

Walking - How beneficial is this to me and my pet?
The first thing to remember is that actually, the way in which the human body compares to the dog isn’t miles apart. Walking your dog is going to get you out in the open but unless you’re getting a good run around this won’t be testing the cardiovascular system enough to increase fitness levels and if the animal is taking on more calories that it needs via food then it will put on weight (generally speaking, but depends on breed)! So what’s the answer?

We need to be ‘exercising’ our dogs as well as walking them (please consult vet prior to exercise based on varying breeds and recommended exercise levels). Exercise means increasing the heart rate beyond is resting rate. We can work at varying intensities that will benefit the body in different ways – it’s good to get a good mixture. When it comes to weight control working for longer periods at low intensity will help to shift the pounds, while rushing around at speed will help to increase our lung capacity and increase fitness levels. It’s easy!

Nutrition Matters!
As well as implementing a sensible and fun exercise programme for ourselves and our dogs it’s important to ensure that we take care of our nutrition. Of course, each dog will have its own dietary requirements but the basic principles are exactly the same when it comes to calorie intake – we need to ensure that if we are non-active we don’t take in any more calories than we need and by the same token, if we are active we will need to take on more. But that means taking on more of the nutritionally sound foods for animals and for humans.

If we as pet owners understand good nutrition then applying the same rules for our animals becomes much easier. The frequency at which we eat, how much we consume and what we eat all play a big part in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and controlling our weight.

Begging Habits
The major cause of obesity in dogs stems from lack of exercise and over-treating from owners. Giving your pets too many treats (especially while you are eating) can cause a begging habit, or ‘variable reinforcement’. The dog may not be hungry but it’s just got into a routine of accepting food. The snowball effect can have long-term damaging effects as the way in which a dog’s body operates changes when unnecessary weight is put on.

Some of the treats you give can be very harmful to some dogs so beware. Talk to your vet about the kinds of treats you should be giving if any and try to understand that you may be reducing the life expectancy of your pet if you continue to provide snacks and create weight issues.

As a personal fitness trainer I have many clients with different weight issues. It’s obvious to me how this plays a massive role and impact on animals in terms of exercise and nutrition. My web site located at www.theheatfitness.co.uk provides various tools for humans to help with their exercise regimes and great information on nutrition. One of my most successful tools is the Lunch Box Diet. It’s helped a many of my members lose weight through the simple principles. I would encourage any pet owners with health or weight concerns to download this and get a better understanding of nutrition. Then with this knowledge and working closely with your vet you will be able to provide your pet with a more balanced lifestyle.

It’s not all about being lazy sometimes, it’s just about education and a better understanding of how our bodies work and we’re not all that different to our canine friends believe it or not.

Reasons why you and your pets shoud exercise!
(See how some of the benefits are so similar!)

• You’ll extend their lives
• Reduce disease (arthritis, diabetes etc)and and are less likely to get ill
• Expend nervous energy – chewing on furniture sound familiar?
• Prevent behaviour problems
• Physical activity keeps your pets happy!
• Keep bones and tendons strong and active
• Bonding – your pet will  love you even more when you play
• Socialisation with other dogs and children

Reasons why owners should exercise

• Reduce risk of disease
• If you’re not active, how active is your pet?
• Increase your stamina, gain more energy
• Maintain and control weight
• Muscles, bones, tendons stay toned and strong
• More bonding between you and your animal
• Meet other dog owners

But please don't forget:

• Just like if you’ve exercised, remember that your pet will need to take on additional water if it’s been active
• If you’re pet starts to get puffed out, it’s time to cool down. Don’t over work or you may risk injury. Start off slow!
• In dark use reflective clothing on both you and your dog
• Try and keep on a lead at most times, especially near busy roads!
• Chat with your doctor and vet before starting an exercise regime together!