Get fit this summer
Did you know nearly 50% of dogs could be overweight by 2013?
Why not take this short quiz written by Your Dog Magazine to see how fit your dog really is:
How much exercise do you give you dog?
a) One walk a day.
b) Depending on his age, several walks a day, including off-lead exercise where he can run around, catch a ball or play chase.
c) He goes out in the garden throughout the day.
Can you easily feel you dogs ribs when you run your hands over them?
a) No not at all.
b) Yes they are easy to feel but not prominent.
c) I've not checked.
What type of treats do you feed your dog?
a) I rarely feed him any treats at all.
b) Healthier options such as pieces of lean meat or occasional dog treats.
c) Leftovers from my plate, and other human foods such as biscuits, cake or cheese.
What do you do if you notice your dog has gained weight?
a) Give him less food.
b) Switch to a lower calorie food, cut out treats and increase exercise.
c) Nothing
Do you take part in any activities with your dog other than walking?
a) I've thought about it, but haven't done it yet.
b) Yes, we play games such as catch, chase, hide and seek and we do agility.
c) No, he is happy just with his walks.
How does your dog appear when exercising?
a) I havn't taken much notice.
b) He's fine, he runs around and doesn't get out of breath.
c) He gets out of breath easily, starts panting and cant run far.
Does everyone in your family adhere to the same rules when giving your dog treats?
a) We have rules but I'm not sure if everyone follows them.
b) Yes, we all know what to feed him.
c) No, I can't stop the children feeding him at the table.
The Results
Mostly A's: You're obviously a caring dog owner but do ensure your dog is as fit and healthy as possible. You could brush up on your knowledge of diet and exercise. Ensure the rules and routines you set out for your dog are consistent and adhered to by the whole family. Try to be more aware of everyday issues concerning your dog. Give him a thorough daily check over to pick up on any problems.
Mostly B's: Wow! You certainly know your stuff. You're clued up on all areas of health and fitness and your dog is reaping the benefits. Keep up the good work!
Mostly C's: Oh dear! What's happened? It's time to get a grip and sort out your dogs fitness issues before they become a problem. Speak to your vet about any concerns you may have.
