You understand that exercise is good for you helping you to maintain a healthy weight, keep your muscles and joints flexible and helping you live longer and feel better. For all the same reasons, your pets need to get exercise too. Not only can exercise extend your pets lives; it may also expend some of their nervous energy and make them a little less likely to chew on the furniture.

Without you to lead the way, you’re pet is not going to run laps or do 50 sit-ups. So as a pet owner, part of your responsibility is to ensure your pets get safe, enjoyable exercise on a regular basis. All pets need some physical activity to help them live a happy, healthy life.

Different pets require different amounts of exercise, so it may be best to have a chat with your vet before determining the correct level for your pets exercise.

Dogs

Dogs can be great fun to exercise as they can get you out and about yourself. After your vet gives your dog a clean bill of health, start your pet on suitable exercise for beginners.

Just like people who aren’t used to exercise, dogs should start off slow. Moderately paced walking and swimming are a good way to start - then let your pet build their cardiovascular and muscle strength without putting undue stress on their joints. A daily 10-15-minute walking or swimming session is a good start and you can build to an hour a day if your pet seems up to it. If, after a few months your pet can handle long, fast walks without fatigue, he could graduate to jogging with you.

Make sure that you watch out for the following:

• Keep a close eye on your dog. Watch for any unusual signs of fatigue or trouble breathing. If your pet wants to stop, let them. Dogs that overdo it can suffer strained tendons or ligaments or other orthopedic problems.
• Safety first. Keep your dog on a lead when you run. Even the best-trained dogs can run into the path of a car. And if you have to run when it’s dark out, put reflectors on your dog’s collar as well as on your clothes.
• Try to run on dirt paths or grass as much as possible. Gravel, concrete, asphalt, cinders and road salt can irritate your pets paws.
• Be careful when it’s freezing cold or hot and steamy out. Either keep your run short or play a little indoor fetch instead.
• The more active your dog is, the more water he will require. Make sure your pet has enough fresh water before and after your run. If you’re going for a long run, take some water along for both you and him.

Cat

Cats are a little bit different than dogs, they’re designed for short, frequent periods of intense activity, rather than longer, slower-paced exercise sessions.

There are wide selection of toys you can buy to get your cat active, including “kitty trees” that will let your pet climb to the ceiling and mechanical animals that can be chased around the room. There are a few main ways you can entice your pet into activity:

• Things that can be hit. Anything light that moves easily across the floor can give your cat a chance to practice hitting and chasing. Balled up paper works well. Just make sure that she’s not batting anything she could chew up or swallow.
• Things that can be chased. The end of a moving string should bring out the predator in even the most sedentary cat. Again, just make sure you pet doesn’t swallow the string.
• Things that can be climbed into. Empty boxes and paper bags are perfect for this. Remember plastic bags could cause suffocation.
• Things that can be scratched. Scratching stretches and tones the muscles in your cat’s shoulders and back. A scratching post–or even a piece of cardboard or carpet–can keep your pet active without your furniture taking the brunt. Don’t use your hand or fingers as “bait” or as the object of teasing. This teaches your pet that it is all right to scratch and bite your hands.

Some cats can even be trained to walk outside on a leash!

As the holiday season begins, we offer a reminder of the potential hazards that often face your pet during this time. When you start to decorate and cook, be careful! The holiday season is generally a time of family togetherness in which even our pets participate. One’s thoughts generally are far from thoughts of injury; however, one must be aware of some important seasonal hazards in order to insure a happy holiday season.

RIBBONS & TINSEL

These are of special interest to playful cats and kittens who see these materials as toys (or prey) to be chased, pounced upon, chewed or swallowed. While chasing and pouncing pose no health threats, chewing and swallowing do, as these strings or “linear foreign bodies” can catch in the GI tract, leading to bunching of intestine as the body tries in vain to move the string or ribbon through. This is a life-threatening condition requiring surgery for correction. Supervise animals who play with string closely.

ELECTRIC LIGHT CORDS

These are also tempting to cats who like to play with string as well as to puppies who are teething and interested in chewing. If a pet bites through an electrical cord, it could result in a severe burn to the tongue which causes the pet’s lung to fill with fluid, causing respiratory distress. This is also an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.

CHOCOLATE

Many people do not realize that chocolate can be a poison. Unsweetened baking chocolate carries a much higher dose of the toxin “theobromine” than does milk chocolate, but even normal milk chocolate can be dangerous; a small dog sharing candy can wind up in big trouble. Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning include hyperexcitability, nervousness, vomiting, and diarrhea and death.

POINSETTIA

Consuming this festive-looking plant can be irritating to the mouth and stomach of the dog or cat that chews on or eats it. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettia is not specifically toxic.

MISTLETOE

The fact that there are several types of mistletoe makes it difficult to predict the clinical signs of poisoning. Some mistletoes produce only stomach upset while others may lead to liver failure or seizuring. Consider mistletoe to be a hazardous substance and keep it inaccessible to pets and children.

COOKING

Keep pets out of the kitchen during the hustle and bustle of the season. The last thing you want is for someone you love to get underfoot and get burned from spillage.

DIETARY INDISCRETION

We all like to include our pets in holiday meals along with the rest of the family, but try to keep in mind that sudden rich diet changes are likely to upset a pet’s stomach. Vomiting and diarrhea are not uncommon. If leftovers are of an especially fatty nature, the pancreas may become inflamed and overloaded. This condition is serious and may require hospitalization.

From time to time we have customers ask us about nutritional support for their pet’s liver. Basically, the liver performs numerous important functions for your pet’s body, including the filtering of toxins from the bloodstream. Because the liver works to rid the body of so many different substances, it is susceptible to damage from many different sources.

Liver disease can be caused by:

• Viral and bacterial infections
• Poisonous substances your pet has eaten
• Altered blood flow to the liver due to heart disease or other congenital abnormality
• Your dog or cat’s breed - certain breeds in both can have difficulty excreting copper

Check your furry friend for the following signs of liver disease:

• Loss in appetite
• Sudden weight loss
• Lack of energy or depression
• Jaundice (yellowing of the gums, whites of the eyes or skin)

Other possible signs of liver disorders include dark-colored urine, pale gums or a build up of fluid in the abdomen that could be mistaken for sudden weight gain. Your veterinarian can administer other tests to diagnose liver disease, so for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

For maximum support of your pet’s liver, we recommend our Liver Support product, which has been shown to support liver metabolism and promote the detoxification of not only the liver but of the whole body. The typical pet dosage is one capsule per day for each 15 pounds of weight. Get a 90-capsule bottle for only $14.95 with a Poly-MVA for Pets purchase - click here to read more or to order!

For many of us, coming home from a long day at work means that we’ll be met at the door by an adoring and eager friend - our pet! All that love is such an ego boost. Pets are good for more than your self-esteem. Besides being great buddies, pets can also improve your health in these five ways:

• Prevent allergies: Many new studies show that children who grow up in a household with furry animals or on a farm, have less risk for allergies, and asthma and a stronger immune system.
• Friend magnets: Pets are natural conversation starters so your pet can help you meet people if you have social anxiety or chronic shyness.
• Benefit the aged: For the elderly, caring for a pet can offer exercise and companionship. Studies have also shown that for Alzheimer’s patients, those who have a pet have fewer anxious outbursts.
• Good for the mind and soul: Those who have pets are less likely to suffer from depression, are better equipped to handle stressful situations, and they also have lower blood pressure.
• Good for your heart: Pet owners who suffer from a heart attack will live longer than those who are petless. Studies have also shown that men who own pets have lower cholesterol.

You know it’s good for you. You know that exercise can give you energy, help you maintain a healthy weight, keep your muscles and joints flexible, help you live longer, and above all, make you feel better. For all the same reasons, your pets need to get up and get moving. Not only can exercise extend your furry friends’ lives; it may also expend some of their nervous energy and make them a little less likely to chew on the living room drapes.

The thing is, nobody’s filled pets in on all of these benefits of exercise. Without someone to lead the way, they’re not going to run laps or do leg lifts in their spare time. So as a wonderful pet parent, part of your job is ensuring your animal family members get safe, enjoyable exercise on a regular basis–whether they’re cats, dogs, turtles, or ferrets! All pets need some physical activity to live a happy, healthy life.

Different pets need different amounts of exercise, so you’ll want to talk to your veterinarian before starting your pet’s workout program. And perhaps spend some time talking with other pet owners to see what they do. With your veterinarian’s approval, you can embark on an exercise program that won’t seem like work at all–to your pet, it’s play.

Dogs on the run

Dogs can be great fun to exercise, because they can get you out and moving yourself. You don’t want to hit the ground running with your pooch, though. Just as with any animal–or person–you’ll want a doctor’s okay before you start your dog’s fitness routine. “Begin with a visit to the veterinarian to discuss your plans and ensure your dog has a clean bill of health,” says Dr. Jay Geasling, member and past president of the American Animal Hospital Association. “After your veterinarian gives you the go-ahead, start your dog on suitable exercise for beginners.”

Just like people who aren’t used to exercise, dogs should start off slow. Moderately paced walking and swimming are a good way to start–they let canine athletes build their cardiovascular and muscle strength without putting undue stress on their joints. A daily 10- to 15-minute walking or swimming session is a good start; you can build to an hour a day if Rover seems up to it. If, after a few months, he’s doing well and can handle long, fast walks without fatigue, he can graduate to jogging with you. Once he’s adapted to the exercise, you and your dog can run and walk to your heart’s content, if you take a few precautions:

• Keep a close eye on your dog: watch for any unusual signs of fatigue or trouble breathing. If your pup wants to stop, let him. Dogs that overdo it can suffer strained tendons or ligaments or other orthopedic problems.
• Don’t expect your fuzzy buddy to be a weekend warrior, even if you only get exercise on the weekends yourself. After a long week without exercise, your dog may be ready to get out and burn off energy. But because of their enthusiasm, many of the popular breeds, such as Labrador and golden retrievers, will overdo it.
• Safety first–keep Rover on a leash when you run. Even the best-trained dogs can run into the path of a car or a territorial animal. And if you have to run when it’s dark out, put reflectors on your dog’s collar as well as on your clothes.
• Concrete and asphalt are tough on the paws, especially on hot days. Try to run on dirt paths or grass as much as possible. Gravel, cinders, and road salt can also irritate paws.
• Take it easy in extreme weather. If it’s freezing cold or hot and steamy out, either keep your run short or play a little indoor fetch instead.
• The more active your dog is, the more water he’ll need. Make sure he has plenty of fresh water before and after your run. If you’re going for a long run, take some water along for him.

If your dog is getting bored with running or walking, take heart: there are other ways to get him the exercise he needs. A 15-minute game of fetch makes for a good workout. Supervised play with other dogs is a good option too. Tug-of-war is not a good game because it can damage his teeth and may increase aggressive behavior. If you have the time and your dog has the inclination, you could even try running him through some agility obstacle courses, which incorporate a range of activities. If you’re interested, your veterinarian may know of a dog agility organization in your area.

Getting the cat off the couch

Cats can make laziness into an art form: snoozing in the afternoon sun, stretching a little before they plop down on your lap for the night. But as immobile as they seem, they still need to get up and moving on a regular basis. Cats are a bit different than dogs, however–they’re designed for short, frequent periods of intense activity, rather than longer, slower-paced exercise sessions.

There are some wonderful toys you can buy to get your cat active, including kitty trees that will let her climb to the ceiling and mechanical animals she can chase around the room. There’s no reason to reach into your wallet for toys your cat may or may not like, however, when there is endless entertainment around the house. There are a few main ways you can entice your kitty into activity:

• Things she can bat. Anything light that moves easily across the floor can give your cat a chance to practice hitting and chasing. Balled up pantyhose and paper work well; for some reason the rings that come off of milk jug caps also seem to be irresistible. Just make sure that she’s not batting anything she could chew up or swallow.
• Things she can chase. The end of a moving string should bring out the predator in even the most sedentary cat. Again, just make sure she doesn’t swallow the string.
• Things she can explore. Empty boxes and paper bags may get your cat to climb in, out, and on top.
• Things she can scratch. Scratching stretches and tones the muscles in your cat’s shoulders and back. A scratching post–or even a piece of cardboard or carpet–can keep her active without shredding your sofa.

Whatever game you play with your cat, don’t use your hand or fingers as “bait” or as the object of teasing. This teaches him that it is all right to scratch and bite your hands–a lesson you will want your cat to unlearn in the future.

The key is to find out which kind of toy is the most tempting to your cat and to use it consistently. You may have to try a lot of different activities to before you find your kitty’s favorite. Some cats can even be trained to walk outside on a leash.

Exotic exercise

Yes, your pets in cages need exercise as well. Some small exotic pets, such as mice, geckos, turtles, or small birds, can get enough exercise simply moving around their cage. Larger animals, however, may lose muscle tone or become obese if they don’t get enough activity. There are a few ways to make sure your exotic gets moving:

• In the cage. Some pocket pets and birds can get plenty of activity with toys inside their cage. The well-known hamster wheel is an excellent way for hamsters, gerbils, and rats to burn off extra energy. Also, most pet stores carry sections of plastic pipe that you can attach to your pocket pet’s cage for extra running room. Climbing ladders and hanging mirrors and bells can help keep birds active and moving around their cage.
• Letting them out. If it can be done safely and you can watch him closely, letting your exotic pet out of the cage is an excellent way for him to stretch and move his muscles. If your pet is small enough, you can put him in a “hamster ball” and watch him roam. Some larger animals like rabbits, iguanas, and birds can safely explore your living room if you watch them carefully; be particularly watchful for rabbits, guinea pigs, and the like chewing on electrical cords.
• Getting fresh air. Building a small, securely covered outside pen may be a good idea if you have an exotic pet. Most larger exotic animals–including rabbits, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, snakes, iguanas, and turtles–will enjoy some time in the sun and the grass, provided they are protected from predators. You’ll just need to make sure they’re always supervised and that your lawn hasn’t been treated with any chemicals.
• Swimming. Believe it or not, swimming can be great exercise for reptiles. Many snakes and lizards are thrilled to slither or paddle around in a few inches of water. Because they carry salmonella, reptiles shouldn’t swim in a bathtub or swimming pool used by people. Instead, you can buy a children’s wading pool and keep it just for your pets’ use.
• Making them fly. If you have an overweight bird that refuses to fly, you’ll need to coax him to walk and to move his wings. One trick to get him to flap is to hold him on your arm and move that arm up and down; he’ll move his wings to keep his balance.
• Going for a stroll. With training, some rabbits and iguanas can actually learn to enjoy walking on a leash with a harness.

Whatever their species, animals’ need for exercise is just as vital to their health as their need for shelter, good food and supplementation, and clean water. For help in designing an exercise plan for your pet, contact your veterinarian.

It feels good to treat your pet to human food every once in a while. Those puppy-dog eyes are hard to resist as they watch you eat and try to convince you that they are starving! It makes you want to give them a taste of everything you eat. But beware: Giving in to those eyes and giving dogs human foods can actually harm them.

Last year, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center received more than 130,000 calls. Most cases of animal poisoning were caused by common human foods and household items.

Many foods we enjoy can be dangerous to animals. It’s best to stick to pet food and a diet recommended by your vet. Here are a few of the most toxic foods that can harm your pet:

Bad news foods

Avocados
They contain a toxic component called persin, which can damage heart, lung and other tissue in many animals. This fruit is very toxic to dogs, cats and most animals.

Beer
Alcoholic beverages can cause the same damage to an animal’s liver and brain as they cause in humans. But the effects can be deadly on animals since they are much smaller than us. The smaller the animal, the more deadly the effects can be. Even a small amount of alcohol may cause vomiting and damage the liver and brain.

Nuts
Walnuts and macadamia nuts are especially toxic. Effects can be anything from vomiting to paralysis to death. Within 12 hours of eating the nuts, pets start to develop symptoms such as an inability to stand or walk, vomiting, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), weakness, and an elevated heart rate. These symptoms can be even worse if your dog eats some chocolate with the nuts. The effect can cause kidney failure, often leading to death.

Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, which can kill your pet if eaten in large quantities. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are especially dangerous. Giving your pup a piece of chocolate cake or even letting him lick the chocolate icing on the cake could cause him to become ill. Theobromine can also cause a dog or cat’s heart to beat very rapidly or irregularly, which could result in death if the pet is exercising or overly active.

Candy
Candy or anything containing Xylitol (a common sweetener found in some diet products) can cause a sudden drop in an animal’s blood sugar, loss of coordination and seizures. If left untreated, the animal could die.

Caffeine
Coffee, tea or any product that contains caffeine stimulates an animal’s central nervous and cardiac systems. This can lead to restlessness, heart palpitations and death, depending on how much the animal consumes.

Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs. As little as a single serving of raisins can kill them. And the effects are cumulative, which means that even if a dog eats just one or two grapes or raisins regularly, the toxin that builds in his system will eventually kill him.

Onions
Onions are another common food that can be highly toxic to pets. They can destroy an animal’s red blood cells and lead to anemia, weakness and breathing difficulties. Their effects are also cumulative over time.

Medicine
Hide medicine from your pets just like you would from your children. The most common cause of pet poisoning is from animals ingesting a medicine or drug normally prescribed for humans.

And this is not just because furry pals are getting into their pet parent’s medicine cabinets. In many cases, pet owners give their feline and canine friends an over-the-counter medication to ease an animal’s pain. But acetaminophen and ibuprofen, the active ingredients in many common pain relievers, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. They can cause gastric ulcers, liver damage, kidney failure and sometimes death.

Good news foods

There are a few things that you CAN give to your furry pal. However, you should always consult a veterinarian before introducing a new food item to your pet.

Although these foods are normally harmless, some animals have sensitive gastrointestinal tracts. So even these healthy treats should be avoided if they cause gastrointestinal upset for your pet. Keep in mind that these and other “extras” should not make up more than 5 to 10 percent of the pet’s daily caloric intake.

Lean meats
Any cooked lean meat should be fine for most dogs. High-fat meats, chicken skin and fat from steaks or roasts are not recommended. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis. This can be a very painful condition for dogs. In addition, most companion animals do not need extra fat in their diets. Never give your pet meat with the bone in it. Animals can choke on the bones, and they can splinter as well.

Vegetables
Carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices and zucchini slices are all OK.

Fruit
Apple slices, orange slices, bananas and watermelon are all OK. Make sure the seeds have been taken out; seeds are not good for your pet!

Baked potatoes
Plain baked potatoes are fine, but make sure they are cooked — no unripe potatoes or potato plants.

Bread
Plain cooked bread is fine; just make sure there are no nuts or raisins added.

Rice and pasta
Plain, cooked pasta and white rice are OK. Often veterinarians recommend plain rice with some boiled chicken when gastrointestinal upset is present.

In case of emergency

Despite all the precautions you take to keep your pet pals safe, accidents do happen. That’s why the ASPCA, Humane Society and animal advocates advise pet owners to keep the telephone numbers of their local veterinarian and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — (888) 426-4435 — in a prominent location.

Common signs of poisoning include muscle tremors or seizures; vomiting and diarrhea; drooling; redness of skin, ears and eyes; and swelling and bleeding.

If you suspect your pet has consumed, inhaled or come in contact with a toxic substance, stay calm and call for help immediately. If you see your pet consuming anything you think might be toxic, seek emergency help immediately even if she or he is not exhibiting any symptoms.

By Sloan Barnett
TODAYShow.com contributor

Pets, like people, are individuals. As such, they have unique nutritional needs, requiring different levels of vitamins, minerals, fats, protein, fiber, and other nutrients. Even the highest quality pet foods, while providing the majority of nutrients pets need, cannot fulfill the unique nutritional requirements of every individual pet. In fact, no single food will be the right food for every pet at every life stage. Puppies/kittens, pregnant pets, lactating pets, older pets, hard-working pets, and pets with medical conditions all have different nutritional requirements. Supplements can help fulfill these requirements.

A supplement is something added to a pet’s diet on a regular basis - typically to make up for a deficiency of some sort, or to improve/enhance overall health by targeting a specific health issue. Supplements are given in many forms - a healthy food (such as yogurt, cottage cheese, or cooked eggs), a multi-vitamin, a mineral paste, fiber granules, and so on.

Pets who receive sufficient amounts of vitamins, minerals, fats, protein, and fiber experience better skin and coat condition, increased energy, higher resistance to stress, and improvements in general overall health.

Since no two pets share the same exact nutritional needs, no single food will be the right food for every pet. Further, since some pets cannot digest and metabolize all pet food ingredients, they will not receive all the nutrients provided in the food. Supplements can help fulfill each individual pet’s individual nutritional needs and deficiencies.
 
Supplements for specific life situations, events, and stages
Pets’ lives include unique challenges that can best be met with the aid of excellent nutrition. To ensure your pet is always in top form, feed a healthy, quality food, and supplement when necessary. Following are examples of pets who will benefit from supplements.

• Growing puppies and kittens may require a daily multi-vitamin to help ensure that young, growing pets get the vitamins they need for healthy tissues, strong bones, and overall good health.
• Hard-working, extremely active pets such as herding dogs, working field dogs, and police dogs typically have increased nutritional demands related to the consistent expenditure of large amounts of energy. A multi-vitamin can help provide the additional vitamins and minerals they may need.
• Pregnant pets/lactating pets typically require a multi-vitamin supplement to ensure they’re getting maximum nutrition for their bodies and their babies’ developing bodies.
• Older/senior pets tend to absorb fewer vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes through the intestinal tract, while simultaneously losing more of them through the kidneys and urinary tract. A daily multi-vitamin may help provide older pets with increased levels of antioxidants, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other valuable nutrients.
• Arthritic pets of all ages may benefit from a daily supplement containing ingredients such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM. A supplement such as this is highly recommended for pets suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint problems.
• Pets with extremely dry skin or dry coat can benefit from skin and coat supplements, which are high in fatty acids. Supplements can help moisturize skin, while restoring shine and beauty to a pet’s coat.
• Pets under stress, pets recovering from surgery, and pets with health problems/medical conditions can also benefit from supplements. These situations can cause an animal to eat less than normal, and receive insufficient levels of nutrients. A multi-vitamin supplement can make up for the lack of nutrients. If digestive disorders are a problem, supplements such as Acidophilus+ can help make digestion easier/more comfortable, boosting your pet’s desire to eat.
• Pets with allergies are often given supplements formulated especially for the skin. A supplement rich in fatty acids may help restore skin and coat condition.
• Pets on weight-loss diets generally eat less, and therefore may not receive all the nutrients their bodies need to thrive especially if not being fed a balanced “lite” diet. Multi-vitamins can provide the essential vitamins and minerals your pet’s body needs to function normally and maintain good health.

The bottom line
Regardless of what kind of food you feed your pet, you may need to add a supplement to ensure your pet has the right levels of nutrients for optimal health. Before giving your pet a supplement, carefully consider the food you are currently feeding, or the food you plan to feed. Determine the quality of the food’s ingredients, and whether the food already contains added vitamins. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has created dog food nutrient profiles, and cat food nutrient profiles which specify the percentage levels of nutrients that should be present in pet foods. Also, pay close attention to your pet’s health, your pet’s age/life stage, and any life events (such as pregnancy) that may require a boost/change in nutrition. As always, consult your veterinarian if you have questions about supplements, and whether they’d be appropriate and beneficial for your unique pet. Be sure to monitor your pet for health changes after supplementing, and contact your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns.

New compounds like Poly-MVA for Pets are being researched and utilized like never before. The impact this product is having in animal wellness programs is astounding. Currently a veterinary oncologist in Southern California is using it in his practice with over 800 animals and is having outstanding results. The ability of this product to protect and support healthy cells has pets of all ages excited. Every pet should be on this product to get the very best protection and cellular support available. In dealing with pets and cancer no other supplement is showing the potential to help so many animals that have cancer.

By Cheryl Sternman Rule

Just as Americans have become increasingly overweight, so too have their pooches packed on pounds: roughly 40 percent of dogs in the U.S. now are considered overweight. So when Topeka-based Hill’s Pet Nutrition (a pet-food company) contacted Robert F. Kushner, M.D., obesity expert and professor of medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, to brainstorm ways to address the pet and people obesity epidemics simultaneously, he was intrigued. “The cause of pet obesity is the same as human obesity: overeating plus under-exertion,” says Kushner. But there’s one difference, he says: “People cause pets’ obesity.” Ignoring portion sizes, offering copious treats and skimping on dog walks all contribute to pets’ added girth.

Research shows that when people embark on weight-loss programs with supportive friends, they do better. Would it matter if the friends happened to be furry and walk on four legs? Kushner wondered.

In a study published last October in the journal Obesity, Kushner and his colleagues followed 36 people paired with their dogs and 36 people without pets through a year-long weight-loss program. Both groups met regularly with a dietitian, who counseled participants on healthy eating, setting calorie goals and ways to increase physical activity. A veterinarian taught pet owners about dog health and suggested activities to foster bonding with their pets. (The dogs also consumed a calorie-controlled diet.)

Turned out, the dog owners didn’t lose more weight than their “petless” peers. They did, however, say that the dogs made exercise more enjoyable. Seeing their pets slim down also inspired them to stick with their own healthy habits.

Bottom line: “If you don’t have someone to walk with, get a dog,” says Kushner, the proud owner of Cooper, a spotted Havanese. Or borrow one: walk an elderly neighbor’s pet or exercise rescued dogs at a shelter.

By David Twiddy, AP Business Writer

Two Chinese businesses and a U.S. company were indicted Wednesday, February 6 in the tainted pet food incidents that killed potentially thousands of animals last year and raised worries about products made in China.

Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology Development Co.; Suzhou Textiles, Silk, Light Industrial Products Arts and Crafts I/E Co.; and Las Vegas-based ChemNutra Inc. were charged in two separate but related indictments.

The U.S. attorney’s office in Kansas City said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has received consumer reports suggesting 1,950 cats and 2,200 dogs died after eating food contaminated with the toxic chemical melamine.

U.S. Attorney John F. Wood said authorities haven’t been able to substantiate all those reports, but “as for pet deaths, we think it’s in the thousands.”

One of the indictments charges Xuzhou Anying Biologic, located in China’s Jiangsu Province, and Suzhou Textiles, in Suzhou, China, with 13 felony counts of introduction of adulterated food into interstate commerce and 13 felony counts of introduction of misbranded food into interstate commerce.

The indictment also names Mao Linzhun, Xuzhou’s owner, and Zhen Hao Chen, Suzhou’s president.

ChemNutra and company owners Sally Quing Miller, a Chinese national, and her husband, Stephen S. Miller, were charged with 13 misdemeanor counts of introduction of adulterated food into interstate commerce, 13 misdemeanor counts of introduction of misbranded food into interstate commerce and one felony count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

The indictments allege that Suzhou Textiles, an export broker, mislabeled 800 metric tons of tainted wheat gluten manufactured by Xuzhou to avoid inspection in China. Suzhou then did not properly declare the contaminated product it shipped to the U.S. as a material to be used in food, the indictment says.

It also says the shipment was falsely declared to the Chinese government in a way that would avoid a mandatory inspection of the company’s plants.

“The defendants intended to deceive the Chinese government in addition to consumers,” Wood said.

According to the indictment, ChemNutra picked up the melamine-tainted product at a port of entry in Kansas City, then sold it to makers of various brands of pet foods. The indictment alleges that Xuzhou added the melamine to artificially boost the protein content of the gluten to meet the requirements specified in Suzhou’s contract with ChemNutra.

Wood said adding the melamine, which would allow it to pass chemical inspections for protein content, was cheaper than actually adding protein to the gluten.

He added that prosecutors aren’t alleging that the Millers and ChemNutra knew that the product was toxic, only that they were aware the product had been shipped into the U.S. under false pretenses and failed to notify their customers.

“Millions of pet owners remember the anxiety of last year’s pet food recall. These indictments are the product of an investigation that began in the wake of that recall,” Wood said.

Steve Stern, a spokesman for ChemNutra, said the Millers “deny the allegations by the Justice Department in the strongest of terms and look forward to the opportunity to prove their innocence at trial. Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Miller had any intent to defraud or knowledge of any wrongdoing.”

Wood said the Chinese government is cooperating with the investigation and shut down Xuzhou shortly after its connection to the melamine scare was discovered last year.

In addition, Chinese officials signed an agreement in December increasing inspections on a number of products, including pet food ingredients, Wood said.

“Since this issue came to light, steps have been taken to protect consumer safety,” Wood said.

He added that Chinese authorities took Linzhun into custody at the time his company was shut down, but he said he didn’t know if Linzhun was still in custody.

The U.S. doesn’t have an extradition treaty with China, meaning there’s no legal way to force China to hand over Linzhun or Chen, Wood said. But federal authorities have alerted Interpol and other law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for them if they leave China.

It’s a brand new year with a whole new set of new resolutions. Some easier to keep than others! We believe you should spare a thought for your pet when your making your important life-changing decisions. Since its 2008, here are our top 8 steps to being a perfect pet owner. Add these pet promises to your own resolutions to make sure you both have a great and fulfilling year!

1. I promise to play with you every single day.

Our pets love to play. It provides them with both mental and physical stimulation. It’s great for using up excess energy and strengthening the pet and owner bond. Both cats and dogs alike should be engaged in short interactive play sessions every day. We think you should make this your first pet promise of the year.

2. I promise to feed you a balanced and nutritious diet.

New year is the time we look at our own feeding habits so why not reassess what we are feeding our pets. Its all too easy to fall into “easy” feeding routines but with pet obesity on the rise we think you should use the new year to make sure your pet is getting the best! Make smart choices for your pet, including a balanced diet and supplementation.

3. I promise to keep your coat groomed as well as I can.

Getting dirty is all part of being a healthy happy pet. Getting clean again is not always so much fun! Regular grooming sessions are essential to maintain coat and skin health. Grooming is another great way to strengthen the pet owner bond and if done properly can be enjoyed by both pet and owner alike.

4. I promise to make sure you’re as well behaved as you can be.

Discipline may not always be fun but you have a responsibility to your pet to ensure they know their place within the household and within society. Regular training sessions will keep them behaving properly and avoid any unpleasant behavioral problems.

5. I promise to make sure you’re healthy this year.

A visit to the vets may not be one of your pets favorite promises but it’s an essential one. A yearly vaccination will help prevent a range of infectious diseases and a general health check from your vet can alert you to any early problems.

6. I promise to think about your safety.

Every year thousands of animals are injured or killed on our roads. Does your cat have a reflective collar? Do you keep your dog on a lead at all time? Make a promise to your pet this year that you will do everything to keep them as safe as possible both outside and in the home.

7. I promise to treat you when you have been good.

Everyone loves a treat! Why not reward your pet for good behavior with something they enjoy. Remember, treats are aren’t just about food - attention, praise and exercise work just as well!

8. I promise to make time to give you as much exercise as possible.

One of the most important promises you can give your pet this year is to fulfill their exercise requirements. Busy lifestyles often mean our pet’s exercise sessions get cut short or missed. Make your promise for 2008 - more exercise, more fun and a healthier happier  year!!!
- 2007 Vital Pet Health