Path to a Healthier Lifestyle with your Pooch

The start of the New Year or at the beginning of spring is a great time to think about your goals for your best friend.  Here are a few ideas to get you both looking forward to a healthier lifestyle.

Behavior: Are there any bad behavior issues you have been a little lax on? Now is a great time to renew your dedication to consistently working with your dog on training that one bad habit away. The New Year is also a great time to learn a new trick! Not sure where to start? Check out some basic training videos or sign up for a group training class at your local pet store. Having some bigger issues? Might be a good time to talk with a trainer for some one-on-one lessons. Having a well-behaved dog makes for a more relaxing home and positive relationship.

Healthy Weight: A study conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) indicates 53 percent of adult dogs are classified as overweight or obese by their veterinarian. According to Dr. Ernie Ward, APOP founder, "The most distressing finding in this year’s study was the fact that more pet parents are unaware their pet is overweight." Talk with your veterinarian if you suspect your dog may be overweight. It might be time to look into special formula, like Bil-Jac® Reduced Fat Formula, to help your friend keep their weight at a healthy level

Exercise: A little exercise can go a long way with your four-legged family member! Taking a walk together or enjoying a game of fetch is a great way to have some one-on-one time bonding while everyone gets their heart rate up! If you haven’t been exercising together, be sure to start small and work your way up. The first day, go for a ten minute walk, then add a few minutes every few days until you work up to 30 minutes. Many dogs enjoy some time out walking and will even look forward to it! Don’t forget to bring a few doggie clean-up bags with you on your stroll.

Grooming: Some dogs needs to be bathed and brushed more frequently than others. You know how good you feel when you are clean and well brushed! Your dog feels the same way. Talk to your dog when giving them a brushing, telling them how great they look and how much you care about them. Not every dog loves a bath, but once it’s done, you can tell they are looking and feeling good. There are no hard and fast rules about how often to bathe your dog, but generally every 6-8 weeks is a good rule of thumb, unless they get into something messy. Not a big fan of bath time? Check into a local groomer or pet store who can give your dog a bath, give them the appropriate haircut, and even trim their nails. Nothing like a day at the doggie spa!

Set your sights on some activities that will help him or her look and feel better!