Just like humans, overweight and/or obesity has become an issue with pets particularly dogs and cats. Maintaining a good weight is important. Many believe that it prolongs the life of a pet.
I am showing off my waistline as I am participating in the Show Off Your Dog’s Waistline
I do admit when my vet informed me that I needed to loose weight, I was not happy. I was not overweight at all. It was suggested as I am in my senior years. Of course, I did not like it as mom needed to limit my tasty treats (particularly my peanut butter treats). On the other hand, Mom gave me more treats, fruits and vegetables. Luckily, I am not so picky and I enjoyed particularly bananas, apples and carrots as an alternative treats. In addition when the weather permit, I spent lots of time outdoors walking, running and play fetch.
Well if you are a follower of my blog, you know that I spent 10 months and 2 days on a tropical island. The weather is ideal for lots of outdoor play. I had lots of long walks, run and hike that were uphill and downhill. Oh! swimming in the ocean was one of my favorite. I swam for hours and mom says I was a very happy Golden Dog swimming in the ocean. Many watched me and yes I got photograph many times. I became the attraction at the ocean. My mom had to trick me many many times ( I mean many times) that my beach day was over. Swimming was the key element, loosing the unwanted pounds that my vet recommended. Mom immediately noticed my weight changes. I was given the same amount of dog food (2 cups a day). With the availability of more fresh organic fruits and vegetables, I was given extra servings everyday (especially the apple bananas were too small).
Before I left the island, I had to do a physical for my health certification. I got weighed in 2x. If you are friends with me in FB you’re aware that mom made a mistake on our appointment time. So I got weighed in the morning for 46.5 lbs and again in the afternoon, 45.5. I lost 1 lbs in just 5 hours. What did I do? Simply walked for a couple miles and pooped. Imagine that! Anyway, mom did not realized how much weight I lost, from 59.2 lbs. It was a lot and it was confirmed again by the vet when I had to go for my ear infection. In a way it is a good thing, I’m back in the mainland and its winter. I have leeway to gain about 5-8 pounds gradually.
How do you know when your dog achieves his/her ideal weight?
1) You have to work with your vet as every breed is different.
2) Check your dog’s ribs. Which mom often does? Many dogs have lots of fur and it can be deceiving without really touching their ribs. If you can not feel the dog’s ribs with light pressure, then your dog may be too heavy.
3) Examine and feel your dog’s back. A healthy dog usually have a little fat layer. If you can see the bone sticking out, it means that your dog needs to gain weight.
4) Check your dog’s spine and shoulders.
Basically, you have to use your sight (visual) and touch in order to access if your dog’s weight is too heavy, too thin or ideal. Also, always work with your vet.
Even though I need to gain extra weight my workout activities does not end.
Also, being winter time is not an excuse to end and/or put a halt in my activities.
To prepare for Spring and Summer fun …
1) I continue to go for a walks. However, a walk in the city is a bit different. It has been very interesting for my peeps. It’s not safe to be off leash and run on the nearest park. So long walks are the only option, walking on the city salty sidewalks.
2) There were times walking on the sidewalks is not ideal. Where do we walk/run? The Parking Garage of the building we are temporary staying. Sounds crazy but it works. The garage is mostly occupied by residents and not so busy especially late afternoon.
We also discovered that the building have a small dog run (by the parking garage 6th floor) with fake grass. It’s good enough. I just have to be extra careful not to jump high.
3) If it’s just too cold to go for a walk outside, I get to do a quick run in the hallway + a run on the stairs. My mom loves stair climbing and I enjoyed joining her. I actually beat her. Well, I don’t do as much steps as she does. See does a lot of steps…. I mean a lot.
4) Mall Walking … YES, walking inside a dog friendly indoor mall. Will definitely share soon my recent walk in the mall.
5) Fetch and tug game indoors are always Golden FUN activity.
There are lots of ways … you just have to be committed. Remember, it’s good for your dog and it’s good for you too. For sure, our workout activities will change as we move back to our home in the suburbs and as the weather changes. Will definitely do a follow-up post.
Lots of Golden L♥VE n Woofs
SUGAR
Under 50lb? Goodness you’ll blow away in a stiff breeze! 🙂
Being fit and at a healthy weight can make all the difference to a dogs longevity. Great post and my word, you did manage to shed a lot of pounds there. Of course swimming, for a Golden, will always do that 🙂 Perfect exercise for you. Hope you get to go back again.
Great post,Sugar! There are so many ways to keep fit and trim. Woof from Jeffie, Rudy and Rosie
Sugar you my sweet are ready for the super model runway! Looking as beautiful as ever too
I don’t think I will be participating in the waistline thingy….MOL I’ currently at 10.75 lbs…mom. I also loved seeing you in the Pacific last year.
Lots of hugs your BFFF
Madi
You look great, Sugar. I did not know that there were dog-friendly malls!
Thanks for sharing your weight loss story. You are looking great now. Hopefully your story will inspire other dogs and owners that they can do it too!
Also perfectly weighted Lee and Phod
we control our dogs weight the same way your mom does, i just wish i could get someone to control mine.
you look great Sugar! I agree with you – if we have bad weather or winter then I have to much weight in zilch ;o)
…it’s only water – but it sticks on my hips ;o)
Wow Sugar, Dottie is bigger than you are and I thought she’d be smaller since she is so short! I think you look great. We do watch Boomer and Dottie’s weight though, especially in the winter when they aren’t as active, it seems they always gain a few pounds in the winter but take it off when spring rolls around and they are more than ready for some good outdoor time.
Wonderful advice Sugar. I think your waistline looks fabulous! I have always known Shiner loves to eat everything, but recently found out that she does really enjoy bananas.
I think you look wonderful!!! Whenever my dogter suggests to my mom that I lose weight, I quickly inform them that mantastic muscles weight a lot!!
~Higgins
WOWZERS! I don’t ever remember weighing that little….ha ha!
We think you have a beautiful waistline Sugar. You maintained it well. Must be from swimming and body surfing over the enjoyable 10 months
Benny & Lily
Are you a small build to begin with, Sugar? I’m sure mama won’t have any trouble putting your weight on in a healthy way.
I started visiting your blog while you were on the island, so I thought you’d always lived there. Magical, child like thinking. 😉
Keep up the good work, Sugar! My mom is also pretty stingy with the biscuits and such; good thing I love bananas and carrots and apples too! I get plenty of these yummy treats 🙂
Ah you beuatiful girl. My Vickie checks my weight every chance she gets. Dr. Says I am good at 82 pounds. I am always hungry though. So because of your post, my vickie is thawing out some friutes and vegis for me.
Girl you are a blessing to me.
you keep my vickie up to date
love
Bert
Great post…my post tomorrow is going to be that blog actually. We are fit doggies too! Nothing worse than seeing an overweight pet, it makes us so sad as it is not the pet’s fault. A fit pet usually means a fit owner, so we are mom’s fitness buddies!
You really are looking great Sugar…Some folks do let older dogs put on pounds and that’s so unfortunate as it’s just so much harder to lose…Your momz has done a wonderful job of keeping you fit and making sure you get the exercise you need…and her tips for finding unique ways to get exercise are so clever
Sugar that is great advice and full of good ideas. I keep trim by chasing squirrels. You look great. My Pip who is 15 is a little plump but she is old now and getting frail so we don’t worry too much. As long as she is not fat and happy we leave her be. Have a terrific Thursday.
Best wishes Molly
You look terrific Sugar and lucky you to be able to indulge with some healthy treats! Toby is at daycare but when he gets home I’ll try the ribs check. The vet says he is too heavy so he’s getting a weigh-in today. He’s lost from a high of 67.5 lbs to 65 pounds but the vet says he’s got a long way to go. Trouble is he really doesn’t seem heavy to us. Maybe we’re just used to his appearance. I don’t know, but I definitely want him to have a long, healthy, active life, so for now he’s getting mostly apples and baby carrots for treats.
This is some very good information! Obesity is no good for man or dog! Me and Stanley are getting our “spring shear” on Saturday so mom can see my waist. But we get weighed all the time so we think we are OK.
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Online Doods
WOOF WOOF Sugar! Congratulation on the weight loss!
Do you miss the ocean? There are some great lakes *hehehe pun intended* up there, maybe you can go swimming there when it warms up!
Hey Sugar, I learn something new every time I visit your blog! Hope you are enjoying living in your new high-rise–I scrolled down to read a few entries I’d missed. I’ll bet riding in an elevator is fun!
Hi Sugar, Great job on losing some fluff! I think the cold weather burns more calories too. Our vet told me yesterday that Hunter needed to learn to eat the kibble given to him and no more people snacks. Great alternatives for swimming. You are so beautiful! Have a warm afternoon and evening.
Wags, Noreen & Hunter
Lookin’ good, Sugar! Thanks for the tips on how to tell if a long-haired dog is overweight. My Aussie mix Pierson has gained 5 pounds over the past year, but he was a thin little stray when I found him and doesn’t feel overweight now.
I’m embarassed…my bro Piper is a Golden and weighs in at 100 smackeroos!
Great job! I used to be chunky, and I lost a whole pound (which when you’re my size is huge!)! You can see and feel my ribs, and easily feel my hips and spine. I’m pure muscle!
Nola
Our mommy now wants to go to Maui and swim in the ocean to lose weight! All your activity made us tired!
It’s BJ. Sugar you look svelte. It sounds like you had a good time loosing weight. Water and Golden’s go together. Now you have a little leeway in your weight. Good job.
Licks and Woofs.
Good news on today’s weigh-in! Toby weighed 61 pounds – only 6 to go!
Oh Sugar that is FABulous news abouts your weight loss!!! YEA! Ma says I need to loose more weight, as I should be 50 lbs, and I’m 58 a few weeks ago. I don’t like the veggies AT ALL, butts i do like fruits of all kinds. I have to be careful too because I can gets the runs. So, it’s a bit more of a challenge for me. I’m still tryin’ though! You are my inspiration!!
Kisses,
Ruby
You’re looking great Sugar. We’re still trying to work out Brooks’ ideal weight. The vet doesn’t think he’s overweight but he weighs 74 lbs. Do you think that’s too big for a golden retriever?
Sugar, you look awesome! And I bet you feel great too. Great job. Thank you for participating in the campaign!
You look fabulous Sugar and bet your mom does too if she is running up and down stairs!! Bet you miss the beach…we are hoping to spend some time at the beach. We have never heard of a dog friendly mall either, but you are a special Golden who even gets to ride in the airplane!! Xoxo Chloe and LadyBug
Sugar you could put your bathing suit on and strutt. You look great. My girls are in great shape thanks to the crazyone(lacey) we go to the dog park almost every day. Good for all to get out to chase a ball.
I have found treats that are only 5 calories each which are the perfect size. Here to a good Friday everyone. Thanks for a great post
All great tips and you are looking paw some
You look mahvalous dahling! Great ideas for keeping fit in the city no excuses! Love Dolly
Dawling Sugaw
Keping ouw weight down is mowe than just staying bootiful, it’s fow ouw health and enewgies too. I think you awe weady fow any beach. You awe pawfect
Smoochie kisses
Asta
I have to stay fit and trim so I can do agility, so I know what you mean, Sugar. I gained 3 pounds and it made a difference in my stamina. Lots of walks and less food for me did the trick.
I hope you can find some good places to go swimming in Chicago.
You’re looking good, Sugar! Nice that you don’t have to worry about losing a few pounds to get into your bikini this summer.
Sugar, We are so glad you get to gain some weight back. You are looking a little too skinny. Enjoy your weekend. Purrs and hugs, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Josette