In some circles January is Fitness Wellness Month (I think it should be all year) so let’s look at our pets.  

Think about how easy it would be to lose weight, stay healthy if we had someone to prepare our meals, make us walk or do some type of activity daily.   

That’s how it is with our pets, if you think about it that’s a huge responsibility (a very fulfilling one, but huge one none the less), with kids they can tell you they are hungry, tired, not feeling well and then they become adults and move on with their lives. Not with pets, we are their everything and are responsible for them until they pass, this can be up to a 30-year commitment (maybe more with birds, turtles and some reptiles but that’s for another newsletter) The oldest dog on record is Maggie the Kelpie she was 30 years old when she passed. 

Hopefully this can guide you in helping your pets get in shape, be healthier, live longer and thrive not just survive.  You can stop in and talk with one of our associates about what you can do, we are here to help.  We also have a scale that we can help you keep track of how it’s going, what’s working and what isn’t working for you and your pet. 

Did you realize a 12-pound Yorkie is the same as an average female weighing 218 pounds and a 14 pound cat is equivalent to a 237 pound man? Did you consider that a 90-pound female Labrador retriever is equal to a 186 pound 5’ 4” female or 217 pound 5’ 9” male or a DSH cat that weighs 15 pounds is equal to a 218 pound 5’ 4” female or 254 pound 5’ 9” male?  I found this interesting pet obesity you put in your pet’s weight with type of dog or cat and it will tell you what your pet would weight as a human. 

Everything I am saying can be found on the web, sometimes it just takes a lot of reading and research. 

There are many ways to figure out how many calories your dog needs, but it can be quite complicated and confusing.  Remember that the general guidelines for safe weight loss in dogs is about 3-5% body weight loss per month.    Here is one way (below).  Then you could also do this click here 

Calculating the calories your dog or cat needs to be fed  

You’ll first need to have your pet examined by your veterinarian and an ideal weight calculated. Based on your pet’s degree of excess weight, you may choose a target weight higher than the ideal weight to start. General guidelines for safe weight loss in dogs are 3-5% body weight loss per month and about 0.5 pounds per month in cats (1-3% body weight). A basic formula for weight loss in pets is: 

  • Ideal weight in pounds divided by 2.2 gives you weight in kilograms (kg)
  • Calculate the Resting Energy Requirements (RER) based on this ideal weight:  RER in kcal/day = RER in kcal/day = (ideal or target weight in kg ^ 0.75) x 70  or (ideal or target weight in kg) to the 3⁄4 power) x 70 or 30 x (body weight in kilograms) + 70
  • For weight loss in dogs and cats, feeding the RER calories for the step-weight loss target weight (or ideal weight in some cases) should be adequate. In cases that fail to respond to this number of calories, the total will need to be reduced by your veterinarian. We strongly advise pet owners not to reduce feeding below RER calories unless under direct supervision by their veterinary healthcare provider.

Cats 

  • 10lbs -180 to 200 Calories

Dogs 

  • 10lbs - 200 to 275 calories
  • 20lbs - 325 to 400 calories
  • 50lbs -700 to 900 calories
  • 70lbs - 900 to 1050 calories
  • 90lbs -1100 to 1350 calories

Keeping in mind that the calorie counts provided are guidelines for an average lightly active adult that has been spayed or neutered and receiving less than 30 minutes aerobic activity per day.  The calorie needs of your pet may differ depending on things like lifestyle, genetics, activity level, age, and any medical condition.  If you are trying to reduce your pet’s weight and improve fitness, they may require fewer calories, sometimes just cutting back on treats is enough to help them lose.  

Most indoor cats can be a bit harder to reduce weight because they usually have much less activity.  With both dogs and cats, it is important to have a daily structured exercise program.  Pets that are obese are 5 times more likely to develop a lameness or arthritis. Obese cats are unable to groom themselves properly and can suffer from mats and skin problems. Obese pets are more likely to suffer from heart, liver and kidney issues. 

Walking, swimming, agility, chase, ball retrieving, and remote-controlled toys – the opportunities for physical activity with your pet are limitless.  Also make them work for their food, there are so many products on the market to help your pet’s with this.    

The general recommendation is that dogs need at least 30-minutes of physical activity a day and cats should strive for three 5-minute intense play periods. How you spend those minutes will determine if you do it or don’t and if you adhere to those activities. Make your outings enjoyable, entertaining, and interactive. 

Cat owners, whether you play with a feather duster or laser pointer, move the food bowl, or use a hip, high-tech toy, engage your cat’s inner predator and encourage it to pounce, leap, and prowl every day, make it enjoyable for both of you. ( and those cat's can make you laugh and laugh which is good for you also)