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What Do Animals See in the Mirror?

9:36 AM | Labels: , ,


While many may think this common question is open to debate — or even a little silly —  it’s actually neither. In psychology circles, the mirror test is considered an important evaluation of self-awareness in animals and a sign of the normal development of cognitive skills in children.
Humans are typically 18 months old before they are able to recognize themselves in the mirror. Among animals, currently only higher primates, dolphins, orcas, elephants and, surprisingly, European magpies are known to recognize that what they see in a mirror is a reflection of themselves. Even more interesting, perhaps, is that while pigs show no sign of recognizing their own reflections, they are able to use other information seen in the mirror, such as identifying the location of food placed behind them.

That doesn't necessarily mean other animals aren't intelligent enough to know when they run across other signs of themselves. The animals who “pass” the mirror test rely on vision as their primary sense. When a young cat or dog first sees his image in the mirror, he often reacts as if a strange animal suddenly appeared. But when the image doesn't pass the “sniff test,” the pet generally decides to ignore it for good. Animals do recognize their own urine smell, however, as anyone who has ever walked a male dog knows. Checking “pee-mail” and hitting “reply all” with your own scented urine is a priority in any male dog’s to-do list.

All information from vetStreet. 

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Run, Spot, Run!

9:01 AM | Labels: , ,


See Spot run. Spot's having fun...or is he? Just as running isn't the sport for everyone, it's not the sport for every dog. Even if your dog seems to love chasing things and running around the yard, that doesn't mean your pooch will take to running.

The pros of a canine running partner can be numerous. Many runners say their dog enjoys running and helps keep them motivated – after all, you might be able to shrug off your human workout partner's teasing when you skip a workout, but it's tough to ignore the expectant look of a canine workout partner (or their cold nose against your skin, which is much more effective than an alarm clock!). It can be great exercise and, given our two- and four-legged populations' trend toward being overweight, it's pretty clear we all need more exercise. Running can also be a good bonding experience for both of you.


That said, there is a downside to running with your canine companion. For one, running injuries aren't restricted to two-legged runners. Remember that you're most likely wearing well-padded shoes that provide support and cushion when you run, but your dog is barefoot. Being barefoot isn't that tough when a dog is running on grass or other natural ground surfaces, but running on concrete, asphalt, gravel or other hard surfaces can put a lot of stress on your dog's body and can put them at risk of injury to their legs, paws or paw pads.

Your dog's breed (or predominant breed) may play a role, too. Keep in mind that a Husky or other breed with a thick hair coat might be much happier in cold weather and pretty miserable in the heat, but a short-coated dog such as a greyhound or whippet might need to wear a jacket to run in cooler weather.

If you have a short-nosed (the technical term is "brachycephalic") dog, such as a pug, boxer, mastiff or bulldog (for a longer list, check out the Wikipedia entry), running may too risky. These dogs have abnormalities in their airways (especially the nose and throat) that make it harder for them to breathe when exerting themselves, and can increase their risk of heatstroke during warm weather. Consult your veterinarian before running with any short-nosed dog.

Additional considerations for warm weather running
Have you ever run in a fur coat? Your dog is doing it every time they run, so if you're feeling warm, your dog is feeling much warmer. Most importantly, dogs don't have the same cooling mechanisms we do - a dog's primary method of cooling is panting, and it's not as efficient as sweating. (Although dogs do have some sweat glands in their paw pads, they play little to no role in cooling off your dog, and certainly will not help when your dog is overheating.) Running with your dog during the hottest parts of the day is a recipe for potentially deadly heatstroke.

Additional considerations for cold weather running
In the winter, ice, snow and ice melting products can damage your dog's paws. If your dog has a short hair coat or is less tolerant of cold temperatures, you'll need to protect him/her with a coat. In severe cold, remember there is a risk of frostbite, especially on the ear tips.


To keep you and your pet safe when running, follow these simple rules:
  1. Consult your veterinarian before starting your dog on any exercise program. Make sure your pet is healthy enough and ready to run.
  2. If your dog is overweight, running isn't the best way to start – talk to your veterinarian about a diet and gradual exercise program that begins with walks and gradually works up to running.
  3. Do not begin running with your dog until you are confident that your dog has good leash manners.
  4. Plan your route. Know where you're going, as well as places to take a break if you or your dog needs to cool off.
  5. Start with shorter distances and gradually build up.
  6. Take enough water for you and your dog.
  7. Do not run during the warm hours of the day during the warm seasons, and avoid the coldest times of day during winter unless your dog tolerates the weather extremes. During extreme weather, you should probably leave your pet at home (and also consider your own safety when deciding whether or not to run outdoors in extreme weather conditions).
  8. If your dog must wear a jacket/coat while running in cool/cold weather, make sure the jacket fits well, doesn't have hanging straps that could tangle in your dog's legs, and doesn't interfere with your dog's leg movements, breathing, sight, hearing or ability to open his/her mouth.
  9. Watch for signs of a problem while running, such as: lameness, sudden stopping, change in attitude, reddened gums, labored breathing or excessive panting. If you notice any of these signs, stop running immediately and seek veterinary help.
  10. Check your dog's paw pads and legs after each running session for skin damage, swelling or pain.
  11. If you run in ice or snow, rinse your dog's feet (including the spaces between the toes and paw pads) thoroughly after each running session to make sure you've washed off the salt (and ice melter), and consider using paw protectors.
  12. Do you stretch before and/or after a run? Your dog might also benefit from this. Consider learning how to appropriately stretch your dog's legs.


All information in this post is from the AVMA. 

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Your Adult Cat: What to Expect at 5 – 6 Years

8:20 AM | Labels: , ,


When your cat reaches 5 to 6 years old, he is nearing middle age. While not yet considered a senior cat, he is at the age when you need to begin watching for age-related changes. Here is what you need to know to keep your cat healthy as he gets older.
Physical and Mental Development
No one knows your cat better than you do. By observing your cat closely and giving him a good going-over once a week, you are more likely to catch changes or abnormalities early. A good time to check your cat is when you’re grooming him, which should also be done at least weekly. First, run your hands along your cat’s body to feel if he is gaining or losing weight. Weight change could be a sign of illness or the need for a veterinarian-supervised diet change. Watch for lumps and bumps too. If you feel a lump, ask your veterinarian to look at it promptly.
Here are some additional areas to check:
  • The eyes should be clear and bright, without redness or tearing.
  • The nose is usually cool to the touch and moist.
  • The ears should be clean and have minimal wax. Any foul odor or debris may indicate an infection or ear mites.
  • The teeth should be clean and white (even in the back), and the breath should not smell foul. Unpleasant mouth odor can be coming from an unhealthy mouth (caused by dental disease) or could indicate an illness such as gastritis, cancer, kidney problems or diabetes.
  • The gums should be a healthy pink.
  • The footpads should be free from cuts or foreign objects, and the toenails should not be red or broken.
  • The skin should look healthy, and the fur should be clean and shiny. Look for sores, bald patches, or redness to the skin. Dark grains through the fur that turn red when wet could be signs of a flea infestation. A dry coat falling out in patches can indicate a medical problem.
  • The cat’s tail should be healthy looking, not hanging limp. Be sure to examine it to see if your cat has been chewing on it, and check underneath to be sure the rump is clean of fecal material.

You should also watch your cat for changes in drinking or urination, fecal or urinary accidents around the house, vomiting, changes in appetite, or changes in activity level. You should discuss any unusual findings or changes with your veterinarian to determine whether further investigation is needed.
Behavior Changes
House soiling is the most common behavioral problem in adult cats. At this stage, your cat will have learned to use the litterbox long ago. If your cat is having accidents, you should first determine if your cat is urinating or marking. When cats mark, they remain standing, backing up to their target surface. Marking is far more common in male cats that have not been neutered. If the cat is squatting, he is urinating. Urinary accidents can indicate that your cat may have a medical problem, in which case you need to take him to the veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment, as some problems can be very serious.
Other behavioral problems can include aggression and scratching. By providing your cat with regular meal times, the space and privacy he needs, and an appropriate place to scratch, these problems can generally be managed or corrected.

Health & Nutrition

Although a 6-year-old cat is not considered “old,” your veterinarian may decide to run standard lab tests periodically as a precaution, hoping to catch any problems early. Additionally, you should be discussing regular dental care with your veterinarian.
Watch your cat’s weight, too. The typical house cat should weigh about 8 to 12 pounds — although some breeds (like the Maine Coon) can weigh much more. Obesity contributes to a number of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, respiratory stress and joint problems. If you have a fat cat, try following these suggestions:
  • Switch from “free feeding” (open buffet style) to scheduled feedings.
  • Ask your veterinarian if a lower-calorie cat food is a good idea, or at least discuss how much you might want to cut back on your cat's current food intake.
  • Play with him more often to help ensure he gets adequate exercise.
  • Cut down the number of treats you offer him between meals. Remember, kitty treats count toward his caloric intake too.
Training Tips
Playing games with your cat engages him mentally and physically; simple toys will keep him engaged and active. A track ball toy is designed to let your kitty entertain himself. These toys have a ball that rolls around inside a closed circular track. Openings allow the cat to insert a paw and pat the ball.
You can also make your own toys. Wash out an empty plastic gallon milk jug and cut a few circular openings in the jug, big enough for your cat’s paw (but too small for his head) to fit through. File down any sharp edges, or duct-tape around the openings to make sure sharp edges are covered. Then drop a ping-pong ball or catnip toy in the jug. To start the play, show your cat the toy and move it around. Your job will be to put the toy back in the jug each time he fishes it out.
Enjoying creative playtime with your adult cat is just as important as it was when he was a kitten. Keeping your cat healthy and happy requires some patience and diligence, but it can be a whole lot of fun.

All information from vetSTREET.

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Cats vs Dogs: The results are in!

8:56 AM | Labels: , ,


Which of America’s favorite pets is top dog (or the cat’s meow) when it comes to smarts and skills? 


We turned to science to put the age-old rivalry to the test. 


If you disagree with the results, join the debate at our special Dogs vs. Cats celebration site. 


May the best pet win! 




Which Have More Stamina?
The sled dogs that compete in Alaska’s annual Iditarod run about 1,100 miles in less than two weeks, often in temperatures as low as -40 degrees F. “They use  fat as their primary energy source—far better than any other athletic species that’s been studied,” says exercise physiologist Michael Davis, who notes that a 55-pound husky can burn as many as 12,000 calories a day. Davis’s research has also shown that sled dogs have an enormous capacity to process oxygen. Cats are more like sprinters: They’re capable of short bursts of energy but lack the aerobic endurance of ultra-runners like huskies. 

Winner: DOGS

Which Are More Agile?

“Cats are very nimble, with great balance,” says New York City veterinarian Michael Garvey. “When a cat falls off a bookshelf, it usually lands on its feet.” And when cats take a longer plunge, their body control is even more on display. “Cats that fall large distances typically don’t land on their feet, but given enough time, they are able to right themselves. They contort their bodies so they are falling flat, which allows them to land on their chest and belly, reducing their injuries,” says Garvey. He should know: He’s the former director of an animal hospital in Manhattan that treated up to 250 falling felines each summer. He and his colleagues cataloged the injuries and discovered a surprising trend: Cats that fell from higher than 10 stories up actually fared better than those that fell from between five and nine stories. Garvey believes the added height gives cats the time to position themselves for a perfectly splayed-out landing. “I’ve seen cats that have fallen more than 32 stories and didn’t have serious fractures,” says Garvey, who conducted a follow-up study on dogs. “Sadly, most dogs that fall even four stories don’t survive, because they lack the ability to compose their bodies midair.” 

Winner: CATS

Which Are Better Hunters?

Many kinds of dogs have been meticulously bred to assist humans in hunting, but cats are arguably more effective as independent assassins. “Some dogs will chase squirrels all day long, but if they do get one cornered, they often won’t know what to do with it,” says animal behaviorist Monique Udell, who has worked with both cats and dogs. “Cats will almost always go in for the kill.” Cats’ superior close-range and nighttime vision contributes to their hunting prowess, as does their ability to focus intensely on the task at hand. In fact, their skill as hunters has been documented: A 2010 University of Nebraska report found that feral and stray cats kill as many as 480 million birds in the U.S. each year—that’s approximately eight Tweeties for each Sylvester.
  

Winner: CATS

Which Are Hardest Working?

Both cats and dogs were originally brought into the human fold for practical reasons (cats to kill vermin, dogs to hunt and to herd). But these days, dogs have by far the more diverse résumé. Their job skills are almost as wide-ranging as humans’: Dogs guide the blind, chase down criminals, and sniff out illegal drugs. They’re called in to detect termites, to identify gas leaks, and even to help schoolchildren with ADHD concentrate. (They’re still pretty good at herding cows and sheep, too!) Meanwhile, though cats are sometimes recruited to control rodents, in general they lack dogs’ versatility—and drive. According to a recent study, the average house cat spends 80 percent of the day in repose. 

Winner: DOGS


Which Live the Longest?

Cats have an average life span of 13 or 14 years, as opposed to just shy of 11 years for their canine rivals. “For dogs, there’s a huge difference depending on the size of the animal—the really large dogs tend to have considerably shorter lives,” explains Stanley Coren, an animal behaviorist. “A Newfoundland is quite old by the time he’s 8 or 9. A miniature poodle might live for 14 or 15 years.” For cats, the main age variable is environment—outdoor cats don’t live nearly as long as indoor cats, which have been known to survive for more than two decades. 

Winner: CATS


Which Are the Fastest?

Greyhounds are capable of running 40 miles per hour—making them by far the speediest pet of either species. (The Greyhound Project, Adopt-a-Greyhound.org, works to ensure that retired racers find good homes.) “In general, the fastest animals tend to have fairly small guts, slender heads, and light limbs,” says Jim Usherwood, a British researcher who studies animal locomotion. And while some cats in the wild—like cheetahs, which can reach a top speed of 65 miles per hour—meet these physical criteria, house cats do not. Among Usherwood’s most interesting findings is that, unlike human runners, greyhounds don’t slow down at all as they round a bend. The motion of their legs is similar to that of a bicycle wheel, which keeps a constant speed through a turn. Studies haven’t proved whether domestic cats employ a similar running style, in part because they generally can’t be cajoled into galloping around a track. But when they are motivated to take off, cats run a (relatively) close second—they’ve been clocked at up to 30 miles per hour. 


Winner: DOGS


Which Are the Most Independent?

Most domestic dogs need lots of human attention, relying on their two-legged masters to regulate their meals, supervise their exercise, keep them clean, and generally shower them with love and affection. Cats, on the other hand, are happy to be left on their own. “Dogs were domesticated to interact with people—to live with people, to hunt with people, to protect people, to herd with people,” says Udell. “Cats were domesticated to chase around rats—no supervision required.” As a result, “many of a house cat’s ancestral behavioral patterns related to hunting, cleaning, and even burying their waste are still intact,” she says. However, for many breeds of pet dogs, similar survival mechanisms—like the instinct to chase and kill other animals—have been bred out. 

Winner: CATS

Which Have the Better Sense of Smell?

The human nose has about 5 million olfactory receptors, microscopic proteins that allow us to detect odors. With 45 million to 80 million receptors, cats have a far better sense of smell—but they can’t measure up to the average dog, whose snout holds between 149 million and 300 million receptors. The canine sense of smell may be a thousand times better than ours, and so discerning that dogs can not only track a missing person but distinguish whether he recently had a meal or smoked a cigarette. Historically, dogs relied on their superior snouts to find prey and avoid predators. These days, dogs are trained to sniff out everything from bedbug infestations to the chemical changes that indicate early-stage cancer. 

Winner: DOGS


Which Are Smarter?

There are many ways of sizing up what’s going on inside our pets’ furry heads; scientists have tried to assess such areas as communication, trainability, and complexity of thought. Sorry, cat lovers, but in just about every measure, dogs come out on top. “The average dog can learn 165 words; that’s equivalent to the vocabulary of a 2-year-old child,” says Coren, whose surveys have found that border collies, poodles, German shepherds, and golden retrievers are the brainiest breeds. “Cats can learn something in the vicinity of 35 words.” (The smartest feline may be the Maine coon.) Dogs are also far easier to train and have a greater capacity for complex thought. A recent study found that pet dogs observe and learn from human behavior to such an extent that they won’t bother to beg for food while their owner is reading a book. Earlier work has shown that dogs understand the concept of “object permanence” (when a ball rolls underneath a sofa, for instance, dogs know that it still exists—it’s just hidden from view). Cats also have this ability but aren’t able to predict where the rolling ball will reappear, for example, as well as dogs can. And while Coren concedes that more research needs to be done on cats, he notes that cats evolved as loners, a factor that doesn’t favor intelligence. “Generally speaking, animals [like dogs] that have a complex social life and work in groups tend to be brighter.” 

Winner: DOGS


The Verdict:

Looks like dogs are ahead by a nose, but as our experts have shown, each animal has its own special talents. Disagree with the results? Join the debate at our special Dogs vs. Cats celebration site.

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Breeds: French Bulldogs (aka Frenchies)!!!!

9:14 AM | Labels: , ,


The French Bulldog has always been a companion dog: small and muscular with a smooth coat, short face and trademark "bat" ears. Affectionately known as the Frenchie, it is loved for its endearing nature and even disposition.


Physical Characteristics

The Frenchie has a curious and alert expression that is enhanced by its bat ears. It differs from the English Bulldog in its movement, which is free, unrestrained and has good reach and drive. Its loose, soft skin around the shoulders and head forms wrinkles. It is a strong and entertaining home dog as well as a sturdy lapdog.

Sharing several characteristics of its Bulldog ancestors, the French Bulldog has a heavy-boned and wide body, muscular build, big square head, low center of gravity, and a short, fine coat, which is found in various colors, including brindle, fawn, white, and black.

Personality and Temperament


This sweet, friendly, and companionable dog is willing to please. As a clownish lap dog, the French Bulldog loves playing and enjoys entertaining its family. It is fond of snoozing with and cuddling its favorite person.


Care

Although the Frenchie is a fun-loving dog, it has minimal exercise needs. It loves an outdoor romp but does not enjoy hot and humid weather. In fact, the French Bulldog is not suited for outdoor living and cannot swim.

A short on-leash walk is adequate to fulfill most of the dog’s physical needs. Coat care is minimal but the facial wrinkles of the dog need regular cleaning. In addition, Frenchies tend to snore, drool, and wheeze.

Health


The Frenchie, which has an average lifespan of 9 to 11 years, is prone to major health problems like brachycephalic syndrome, intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), allergies, and canine hip dysplasia (CHD), and minor problems like patellar luxation, and hemivertebra. The French Bulldog is also sensitive to heat and anesthesia, and dogs of this breed must be delivered by Caesarean section. Knee, eye hip, and spine tests are advised for this breed of dog.


History and Background

As one of the popular dogs in England, the Bulldog was very common in the area surrounding Nottingham in the 1800s. Certain small Bulldogs weighed no more than 25 pounds and many lace workers took these "Toy" Bulldogs to France, where they went for work in the mid-19th century.

The little Bulldogs, particularly the ones that had erect ears, fascinated the women of France. (Ironically, this same feature was not liked in England.) Dog dealers introduced many such clownish dogs to France, and thus these dogs, known as the Bouledogue Francais, created a furor in Paris. The breeders in France continued to develop the straight, bat ears, causing further annoyance to English breeders.

By the late 19th century, the upper class took a fancy to the breed and it got a place in many fine French homes. At about the same time, many Americans visiting France carried specimens to the U.S. and started breeding the dog.

Despite the controversy over the correct ear type, an American club was set up and, in 1898, it sponsored a very elegant dog show for the French Bulldog. The wealthy American spectators were attracted to the stylish show and soon the French Bulldog captured the hearts of many. High society was also very fond of the dog and by 1913, this breed dominated many of the popular show dogs in the United States.

Even though other breeds have become popular since then, the Frenchie continues to have a great fan-following.



All information from PetMD. 

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Euthanasia: What You Should Know

9:09 AM | Labels: , , ,


Eventually, many owners are faced with making life-or-death decisions for their pets. Although it's never an easy decision to make, perhaps the kindest thing you can do for a pet that is extremely ill or so severely injured that it will never be able to resume a life of good quality is to have your veterinarian induce its death quietly and humanely through euthanasia.


During the decision-making process, it is important to consider not only what is in the best interest of your pet's welfare but also what is best for you and your family; quality of life is important for both pets and people alike. For example, if your pet has an injury or disease that requires more care than you and your family can provide to make sure it has a good quality of life, euthanasia may be the right decision.

Your veterinarian understands your bond with your pet and can examine and evaluate your pet's condition, explain treatment options along with any risks and estimated chances for recovery, and discuss possible outcomes including any potential disabilities, special needs or long-term problems. Because your veterinarian cannot make the euthanasia decision for you, it is very important that you fully understand your pet's condition while you consider your options. If there is any part of the diagnosis or the possible effects on your pet's future that are unclear or confusing to you, don't hesitate to ask questions that will help you understand.

Euthanasia is most often accomplished for pets by injection of a death-inducing drug. Your veterinarian may also administer a tranquilizer first to relax your pet if needed. Following injection of the euthanasia drug, your pet will immediately become deeply and irreversibly unconscious as the drug stops brain function; death follows quickly and painlessly. Your pet may move his/her legs or head, release bodily fluids or breathe deeply several times after the drug is given, but these are reflexes and don't mean that your pet is in pain or is suffering.

A decision concerning euthanasia may be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make for your pet. Although it is a personal decision, it doesn't need to be a solitary one. Your veterinarian and your family and close friends can help you make the right decision and can support you as you grieve the loss of your pet. Pet loss support groups and hotlines, as professional counselors, can also provide support.

A list of some pet loss support hotlines and services is below. This is not a complete list – your veterinarian may be able to recommend one for you.

Chicago VMA
630-325-1600

Cornell University
607-253-3932

University of Illinois
217-244-CARE (2273) or 877-394-CARE (2273)


P&G Pet Care, Pet Loss Support Hotline
888-332-7738


Tufts University
508-839-7966


Washington State University
509-335-5704 or 866-266-8635


All information is from the AVMA. 

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Dog Exercise: Keeping Your Pup in Good Shape

9:10 AM | Labels: , ,


Daily walks, jogs, or play sessions can pay huge dividends when it comes to your dog’s health. Not only will exercise help keep your dog fit and trim, regular activities can help channel your dog’s energy into a positive direction, like playing games or taking walks, rather than destructive ones like digging holes in the yard. Check out this guide to get tips on creating a safe and healthy canine workout plan.
Know the Benefits
Regular exercise can have a tremendous impact on your dog’s overall well-being. Dogs that get regular workouts enjoy a higher metabolism, smaller appetite, better muscle tone, and even better temperature regulation – a very important benefit for dogs in hot or humid climates.

In addition, exercise helps ward off canine obesity, a growing problem among our beloved pets, and helps prevent boredom as well. Behavioral issues often stem from a dog’s unmet instinctive desires to do things like dig, herd, retrieve, or hunt. By engaging your pup’s mind with positive activities, you’ll prevent him from finding destructive ways to satisfy his instincts, like digging or chewing inappropriately.

Consult Your Vet

Exercise needs can vary widely based on age, breed, and sex, as well as a dog’s individual health. If your dog is a 6- to 18-month adolescent or a sporting, herding, hound, or terrier breed or mixed breed, your dog’s exercise requirements are likely high. However, strenuous exercise can cause problems in some dogs, especially those that are not fit or are very young or old.

For this reason, it’s important that you talk with your vet before embarking on any new exercise routines with your dog. Athletic owners who run, jog, or perform other strenuous activities must be aware of their dog’s potential limitations. Also, be keenly aware of extreme weather conditions -- make sure to go easy on hot, humid, or cold days, and take plenty of breaks. If the dog is lagging behind, tiring, or struggling, head home and make the next exercise session slower (less strenuous) and shorter. Tip: Go slowly when introducing your dog to a new exercise routine, gradually building for the first weeks as he adapts. It’s always best to ask your veterinarian’s advice on how to safely increase your dog’s activity level.
Get Moving
There’s no shortage of ways to fulfill your dog’s exercise requirements, so try a number of activities to find which ones suit you and your dog’s needs. Here’s a list of the most common canine workout activities.
  • Walking or jogging
  • Fetch
  • Running off leash (only where safe and appropriate)
  • Swimming
  • Playing with other pets
  • Tricks for low-calorie treats (see below)
Make a Workout Plan
Since your dog can’t go to the gym, it’s up to you (and your vet) to devise a routine that will give him the proper exercise. For walks, work your way up to a brisk, 10 to 20 minute walk or jog twice a day. Sometimes introducing another dog is the key to encouraging more exercise activity. If you’re running short on time, hire a dog walker or schedule play-dates at a doggy daycare – both worthy investments. Regular visits with a friend or relative’s pet can also help your dog meet his exercise quota.

Consider Low-Calorie Treats

If tricks are your dog’s favorite pastime, low-calorie treats will encourage him to perform without negating his other calorie-burning activities. If your pet has any food allergies, consult your vet to determine which treats are safe and healthy for you dog.
  • Apple slices
  • Banana slices
  • Carrot slices
  • Low-calorie commercial treats
  • Green beans
  • Lean, cooked meat
  • Melon chunks
  • Pear slices
  • Popcorn (without butter or oil)
  • Rice cake pieces

Your dog’s exercise needs will change over time so make sure to continue speaking with your veterinarian about what is best for your dog.

All information from VetStreet.

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