Dog Fitness Month

April is known as Canine Fitness Month, a time for health nuts to encourage pet owners to get their dogs to get off the couch and start shedding pounds. 

According to the Association fro Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 56% of dogs in the United States were overweight or obese just last year. Pets that remain overweight face health problems as they age including high blood pressure, arthritis, breathing trouble and obesity. These issues often lead to a shorter lifespan for pets. 

There are many strength training exercises for dogs that can be done from the convenience of the fenced-in yard including: 

• Throwing a ball, Frisbee or stick to your dog and let them run for it. 
• Playing Hide-and-Go Seek with your dog. 
• Walking or running with your dog.
• Swimming with your dog.

The more the pet moves, the more calories they will burn - just like us! A certified dog fitness trainer can help dogs get in shape. Dog boarding centers also have fitness programs for dogs. 

Seek help for dogs now if they are overweight this month while the weather is warm and the sun is shining. Spring is the best time of year to start dog exercise!