”Exercise is Medicine™, a program launched by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), is designed to encourage America’s patients to incorporate physical activity and exercise into their daily routine. Exercise is Medicine™ calls on doctors to prescribe exercise to their patients.” (ACSM, 2009)

“The Keys to Exercise Video Series provides tips and best practices for a healthier, more effective workout. It is a good idea to assess your health status, especially if you have not exercised in a long time. Please take a few minutes to answer the questions in the pre-participation checklist at www.exerciseismedicine.org/keys.htm.

This tool will provide you with a method of assessing your health and readiness to take part in exercise.” (ACSM, 2009)

Obesity is no longer just a problem for humans.  The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention conducted a National Pet Obesity Awareness Day study in 2010 found that approximately 53% of cats and 55% of dogs were overweight or obese.  These numbers have been steadily increasing since the original study in 2007, suggesting that pet obesity is a larger problem than initially thought.

Risks and problems associated with pet obesity are no different than the risks and problems overweight and obese humans face.  Some of the problems a pet may face are:

• Diabetes
• Damage to the bones and ligaments due to excess weight
• Respiratory problems
• Increased blood pressure
• Heart Disease
• Increase risk for cancer

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention provides a wealth of information for pet owners.  The association has a Pet Weight Translator and offers physical activity and nutrition tips for your pet.  To get more information about obesity prevention in your pet, go to http://www.petobesityprevention.com/ .  

Preventing obesity in pets is similar to that of humans,

• Encourage exercise.  Take your pet for a walk or play with them outside. 
• Choose the correct food type and amount for your pet. 
  • Limit the human food intake.
  • Treats should only account for 10% or less of your pets total calorie intake.
• Regularly monitor and regulate your pets weight.

If you think your pet is overweight or obese, please talk to your veterinarian.  They will be a wealth of knowledge and should be able to answer more specific nutrition and exercise questions.  A recent article in the New York Times highlighted the effects of being overweight has on your pet.  To read more about this article, visit http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/20/paying-the-price-of-a-fat-pet/ . 

Resources:

http://oregonvma.org/care-health/overweight-pets

http://www.petobesityprevention.com/pet-weight-translator/

http://www.petobesityprevention.com/fat-pets-getting-fatter-according-to-latest-survey/

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 Excess plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth that work its way under the gum-line causes gingivitis or inflammation in the gums, much like in humans.  Eventually, the bacteria begin to decay the gum tissue and teeth, leading to tooth loss and structural damage, which is called periodontitis.   Periodontitis and gingivitis together make periodontal disease.  How do you know if your dog is showing signs of periodontal disease?  Take a look at these signs and symptoms from healthypet.com:

-          Bad breath

-          Bleeding along the gum line

-          Drool mixed with blood

-          Difficulty chewing

-          Pawing at the mouth

-          Loose or missing teeth

-          Gum recession

-          Nasal discharge

-          Facial Swelling under the eyes

If you have any suspicion that your dog has periodontal disease, your veterinarian can pick up signs of periodontitis and gingivitis, but diagnosis is a more complicated process, as most of the damage occurs under the gum-line.  Periodontal disease can be prevented by regular dental care at home by brushing or mouth washes.  Again, your veterinarian will know which products will best suit your pet.  For more information, check out this article from healthypet.com

http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetsMatter/ReadMore.aspx?volume=January_February_2012&title=Periodontal_Disease_in_Dogs&type=HP

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If you are not sure what your pet can tolerate, take these pointers from Lisa Radosta in an article from Pets Matter,

-          Dogs already have their fur coat on.  Most dogs want to go outside.  So, unless you’re caught in a blizzard, you need to get out there.

-          Breeds with long, thick fur can generally tolerate cooler temperatures than dogs with short haired dogs.  You can do these things to make sure your pet is comfortable in the cold.

• Wear boots on icy days
• Protect areas that are not covered in as much fur, such as the ears and feet. 
• When entering the house, wipe off the bottoms of their feet to make sure they do not have any cracks on their pads. 

Veterinarians agree that dogs need 30 minutes of exercise daily.  Much like humans, dogs can achieve the 30 minutes of daily exercise in 10 minute increments.  According to an article from Pets Matter, pets need to maintain a consistent exercise schedule consisting of exploring, playing with other pets, engaging in “brain boosting” activities and using the bathroom. 

Depending on your pet’s cold tolerance, they can exercise in the house too (if space allows).  Hallway runners make a great no-skid addition in during the winter months, and you can create an agility course in the basement or garage. 

If you are having a more difficult time with exercising in the cooler temperatures, taking your pet with you on a walk or jog, or to the park will help both of you get the exercise necessary to maintain good health!  For more information on how to exercise your pet this winter, check out http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetsMatter/ReadMore.aspx?new_key=a9469328-e5a8-4df1-acb6-76da928d85e8&nar_key=7bd48039-a308-46c6-990d-1ca25b800d3e&type=VSA