PETS AND
PEOPLE By Lawrence Gerson, VMD
Photo by Carissa Rogers
PHYSICIANS AND VETERINARIANS SHARE MANY
is within walking distance to Mellon Park. If walking
common concerns. One of the big issues we have is
does not increase your heart rate enough, add some
overweight patients. After consuming too many calories
hills to the routine.
it is common for pets, like people, to become obese. Beyond its exercise benefits, walking with a dog is a Some estimates suggest that more than half of pets are
fantastic way to experience the bond between people
carrying too much weight. Discussing a body condition
and animals. Another example of the human-animal
score at a veterinary annual exam is so important
bond is the relationship between people who are blind,
for good pet health. A score of 5 on a scale of 9 is a
have low vision, or are hard of hearing and their trained
perfect weight. One to four is too thin and six to nine is
service dogs. My favorite patients were dogs who
too heavy. It is common for pet parents to be in denial
literally had the life of the owner in their control.
about overweight pets. A simple solution for dogs and their owners is to get off the couch and take a walk. Walking is a low impact exercise that almost everyone can start and continue long term for better health. Walking as exercise is easy and can progress to an active lifestyle. All that is necessary to walk for exercise are comfortable shoes, a leash, a plastic bag for picking up waste, and a flashlight for night walks. Squirrel Hill has beautiful walking trails in Frick and Schenley Parks and
Walking with a dog is a
fantastic way to experience the bond between people and animals. Spring 2023 | 41
PET POINTS
MOBILITY OF