Plump household pets now have the same weight-loss options as the rest of the family: diet drugs and fitness videos.
An estimated 50 percent of America’s pet population is overweight and at risk for health complications, largely because people are unwittingly passing on their own bad habits — not enough exercise and too many treats — to their four-legged companions.
Slentrol, a liquid doggie diet drug, works by altering the way an animal’s body digests. The dog feels fuller and may beg less, which theoretically makes it easier for the owner to start a diet and exercise plan.
But if medicating your dog is unappealing, try watching a series of pet fitness exercises at .
The video workout, developed by fitness trainer Gunnar Peterson for the Alliance for Healthier Pets, is designed to get people moving with their dogs or cats. Instead of playing fetch, for example, try “Fetch Races,” which involves tossing your dog’s favorite toy and then racing him to retrieve it. Or jump an invisible rope while holding a flashlight and watch your cat frantically chase the light beam.
For Chicago’s Carrie Buglio, a modified version of “Hide and Seek” is the best way to blend fitness and fun with her yellow Lab, Morgan, on extremely cold days.
“The last good hiding place I had was under the comforter on the bed,” said Buglio, who gets a workout in by repeatedly racing up the stairs.
“She finally found me because when she got close, I started giggling.”
For locations offering free weight checks this month, go to .
