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