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The 'Dog' Days of Summer: Motivation for Summer Time Exercising Is as Simple as a Leash

If you're trying to lose weight this summer, the best way to do so may only be a "leash away." Having your dog accompany you on your exercise routine provides a loyal training partner who can increase your motivation to exercise, lose weight and stick with your regimen.

Over 60 percent of adult Americans are now overweight or obese(1), and an estimated 48 million cats and dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese as well -- that's 35 percent of the pet population(2)! The People and Pets Exercising Together (P-PET) study conducted by Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc., the maker of Prescription Diet(R) and Science Diet(R) brand pet foods, demonstrated that companion dogs can serve as the social support owners need for weight loss and weight maintenance for up to one year. Additionally, the P-PET study showed that both people and their pets are more successful staying with a weight loss program when they exercise together rather than on their own.

However, during the dog days of summer, if you plan on buddying up with your dog to exercise it's important to not only consider safety precautions for yourself, but for your dog as well, especially if you're both trying to drop a few pounds. Just like humans, dogs are vulnerable to such things as heat stroke and dehydration. The more owners know about what warning signs
to look out for in themselves and their canine companions, the less likely heat related complications will sideline them or their exercise buddy.

"Before you start exercising with your pooch, take into consideration your pet's age, shape and breed," advises Dr. Craig Prior, veterinarian in Nashville, Tennessee. "What your dog may have been able to do as a puppy can easily change as he grows older, so start out slow and watch your dog carefully for signs of fatigue like noisy breathing and excessive panting. If this starts happening, provide plenty of water and a place for your dog to cool down."

If your pet is overweight, even athletic dogs that enjoy high-intensity activities like hiking and swimming may be working harder than if they were at their ideal size. "Speak to your veterinarian about other available options to help your dog lose weight," recommends Dr. Prior. "In addition to exercise, therapeutic diets such as Hill's(R) Prescription Diet(R) r/d(R) or w/d(R) can help aid in weight loss since they are formulated with
lower calories and higher fiber than regular diets."

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