Active Folks Have Active Dogs, Says New Study

by WCWadmin | Jun 21, 2023 | Pets & Vets

Do you jog with your dog? New research from the University of Guelph has found that dog guardians who exercise regularly tend to ensure their canine companions also get exercise. That in turn influences whether or not people believe their dogs are a healthy weight.

New Study Shows Link Between Human-Dog Exercise Habits and Perception of Canine Health

Led by researchers in the university’s Department of Animal Biosciences within the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), the study is believed to be the first large-scale international survey to demonstrate a relationship between the exercise routines of people and their dogs, as well as folks’ perceptions of their dogs’ health.

“Exercise is a powerful bond that connects humans and dogs, creating a partnership of health and happiness.” – Sydney Banton

According to lead author and PhD candidate, Sydney Banton, the study is important, given that 40% of dogs are overweight, and that many dog guardians are unaware of their four-legged friends’ unhealthy weights.

Along with animal biosciences professor and lead author, Dr. Kate Shoveller, as well as colleagues from OAC and the Ontario Veterinary College, Banton analyzed results from a survey of almost 3,300 dog guardians in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. They asked people about their own diets and exercise routines as well as their dogs’, along with their perceptions of their dogs’ weight.

Those who reported spending four or more days per week vigorously exercising were 2.8 to 3.5 times more likely to believe their dogs were at an ideal body weight than those who did not vigorously exercise. Respondents who reported their dogs regularly performed vigorous exercise (playing ball, swimming, agility) were 1.8 times more likely to believe their dogs were at an ideal weight.
Conversely, dogs that received less than 30 minutes of exercise per day had guardians who were much more likely to spend less time moderately exercising themselves.
About 13% of those surveyed thought their dogs’ weight was not ideal or had someone, such as a veterinarian, tell them their dogs were overweight. These people were also more likely to restrict their dogs’ food intake to control weight.

The results of this study, which appears in the journal PLOS ONE, highlight the need for more exercise to avoid weight gain in dogs.

The post Active Folks Have Active Dogs, Says New Study appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.

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The Importance of Environmental Enrichment for Cats and Dogs

by WCWadmin | Jun 15, 2023 | Pets & Vets

Have you ever considered the importance of environmental enrichment for your dog or cat?

It’s the process of adding excitement to an animal’s habitat so they can enjoy natural behaviors, get physical activity, and have better mental well-being. Many pet parents believe that food, water, and shelter is enough for their pets. However, just like humans, our four-legged friends need mental stimulation to thrive.

What Are the Benefits of Environmental Enrichment for Pets?

Animal friends that lack mental and emotional excitement often experience boredom and anxiety. This can lead to the development of behaviors we don’t like. It’s like how we humans need hobbies, activities, games, and exercise to stay happy and healthy. Without these things, we become restless, anxious, and bored.

By offering appropriate stimulation in their habitat, you can curb unwanted behaviors. For example, stop your dog from howling all night or your cat from scratching the furniture. And that means a more harmonious, stress-free life for you both.

Moreover, it’s not just about curbing unwanted behaviors. Environmental enrichment also helps our dogs and cats stay physically and mentally fit. That makes for healthy animals that enjoy long, happy lives!

How to Enhance Your Cat’s or Dog’s Domain

Creating an enriching home for your animal is all about creating a space that ignites their mind, satisfies their natural instincts, and keeps them physically active. Here are some examples for both cats and dogs:

Interactive toys and games. Hunting toys stimulate a cat’s natural predatory instincts. Brain games keep dogs physically active and mentally engaged.
Regular socialization. Interaction with other animals improves social skills, reduces anxiety, and increases overall happiness.
For dogs, activities like agility courses and scent work exercise the body and the mind. For cats, clicker training or teaching them tricks stimulates and enhances their learning capabilities.
Diet and feeding routine. Incorporating hunting or foraging behaviors into feeding routines can provide enrichment. Food-dispensing toys can make mealtime more interesting by encouraging cats and dogs to work for their food.
Walks and outdoor exploration. Outdoor exploration and walks are great ways to provide physical and mental exercise. Take dogs on regular walks and consider providing cats with safe outdoor access by putting in a secure outdoor enclosure or catio.

Getting More Tips from the Pros

Environmental enrichment is essential for the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of our companion animals. Speak to a qualified veterinarian or animal behaviorist if you need help finding the best ways to exercise your dog’s or cat’s brain and body. With some creativity and dedication, you can create stimulation that will make your pet happy and healthy.