Exercise Your Holiday Hips Away With Your Dog

     Any holiday seems to be a good excuse for eating. From pumpkin pies, to turkey and dressing, the aromas and tastes are wonderful. That goes for hot dogs and burgers on the grill as well. What will probably be noticed first is that you thought you were satisfying your palette and your stomach, but your hips won the race. The same can go for your dog.

It isn't often that a holiday meal will not be shared to some degree with your dog. After all, "they deserve a treat too". The extra pounds you gain on that one day, will take a lot more than one day to shed.

Dogs love exercise. It is a lot easier to get your dog to get out and play or walk than it may be for you. A steady walk and some fetching will benefit both of you to lose those extra pounds. Dogs need exercise far more than they need excess food. This is true not only of small breeds, but all breeds. The more weight your dog carries, the more difficulty there may be with joints as the dog ages.

You will probably notice behavioral changes in your dog if you introduce a regular exercise routine into their life. There is no doubt that the dog will be better behaved once you settle into a routine. Take your time. It is easier for the dog than it may be for you.

By exercising, both you and your dog can shed extra weight and body fat. Of course we all know that exercise alone won't have you losing a lot of pounds. You will also need to decrease your caloric intake for both you and your dog. The two combined will reap the best results.

Low intensity exercising is great for both of you. It is easy to combine a swim in the pool with a dog. You will also have a buddy who may meet you at the door with leash in the mouth. What better incentive can you have? An evening walk or a game of fetch in the yard will benefit both of you.

Before you engage a dog into a fitness program, consult your veterinarian. When you begin your exercising, observe any changes in the dog. Any excess panting or breathing is an indication of fatigue and heat. When he starts to lag, you may want to slow down as well. Remember that five 10 minute walks each week, is as good as a fifty minute marathon.

Bring along water bottles for both you and your dog, along with large dog bowls. Keep the dog on a leash. If you are out at night, use a reflective collar on the dog and reflective shirt on you.

Dirt paths and grassy areas are preferable over rocky terrain or pavement, especially in extreme weather conditions. If your dog has had a long day at home without any company, give him a chance to acclimate when you go outside. Let him mark and sniff until he calms down and then begin your walk.

These tips will benefit both you and your dog.