By Heidi Clayton
Helping your dog stay in shape or lose weight can be a difficult task when you factor in the time needed, working, and family responsibilities. Sometimes, when people embark on a weight loss program, they enlist the services of a personal trainer to help them formulate a plan that is effective and helps them stick to their diets. It’s OK to seek the same help when your dog needs to shed a few pounds.
If you don’t have the time to walk your dog every day, consider hiring a dog walker. When considering hiring a dog walker, ask them if they would be willing to walk your dog either farther if they are at the beginning of their fitness journey or if they can walk your dog at a brisk pace to get their heart rate up and burn calories. Most dog walkers charge for their time, not their distance, so have a conversation about what you want for your dog when using their services. Finding the right fit for getting your dog out and exercising can be helpful for those days when life gets too hectic for you to walk your pet.
Having a canine rehabilitation therapist on staff is becoming a more popular service being offered by vet hospitals. A dog physical therapist can help with recovery from orthopedic surgeries. They can assist with weight loss and body conditioning. A popular tool used in dog physical therapy is hydrotherapy, the underwater treadmill. Underwater treadmills can be an effective way to reduce stress on an overweight dog’s joints. The buoyancy of the water allows dogs to move more freely. The water also provides natural resistance, so muscles get toned while they are walking. It will take training for your dog to learn the process of getting into the tank that surrounds the treadmill and waiting for it to fill. However, most vet offices that have an underwater treadmill also have a dog physical therapist on hand to assist in the process.
When one of my dogs tore a muscle that required extended crate rest and limited activity, he gained a few pounds that I struggled to get off. Many of my dog show friends in the area recommended that I take him to a personal trainer they knew. This trainer absolutely changed my dog’s life for the better! I went to Susan McIntyre at Fit for a Dog in Havertown, Pennsylvania, who was able to give me a workout plan to stick to in between our visits that toned his muscles while taking off the weight. My dog benefited a great deal from the underwater treadmill. The water reduced the stress on his back muscles but allowed us to strengthen it without risking aggravating the injury. I found it helpful to have someone other than me see him once a week to notice any weight loss and to give us a written plan to stick to instead of me guessing what to do.
Sometimes, it might take a team to help you get your dog back into shape. Don’t be afraid to hire a dog walker if that is what it takes to get your dog moving again. If you’re struggling to figure out exactly what to do for your dog, check around to local vet offices to see who might have a dog physical therapist on staff. That might be what it takes to get your dog moving again and on the road to living a healthier and longer life.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net.
