DIETING HAS GONE TO THE DOG'S!

Has one too many lazy winter days left your pooch packing a bit of a paunch? Is your hound looking a little round? Does his belly rival Buddha's (or maybe John Goodman)?

Well, we've always been one to embrace our canine's copious curves, but if your portly pup's more Perez than Paris then your dog may need some weight loss help.

Obesity is on the rise for canines. The reasons are simple: too much food and too little exercise. Just like humans, packing extra pounds can negatively impact the functioning of the lungs, put extra strain on the heart and create severe joint problems. Just a few extra pounds affect your pup's daily activities such as walking, standing and even sitting and can shorter their life span.

The good news is that I have the insider's track on new fitness equipment and healthy foods to help pudgy pooches beat the bulge and live longer, happier lives.

Doggie Driver
You may be a couch potato but now your dog doesn't have to be. Doggie Driver is a tennis ball launcher that swings like a normal golf club driver, providing hours of healthy exercise and enjoyment for your pup. Doggie Driver will launch the ball up to 100 yards. Available at PetGadets.com

Springer Bicycle Jogger
Get outdoors and enjoy some good ol' Florida Sunshine with the Springer Bicycle Jogger. The bike attachment enables you to hit the open road with your dog safely: allowing riders to keep both hands on the bike, while keeping your dog at a safe distance from the wheels. The springer is equipped with a "Safety Release," which allows the dog to break away instantly if it ends up on the wrong side of a tree, post, etc. Available at PetGadgets.com

Dog Treadmill
Establish a regular exercise routine for your best friend. Treadmill training can give a dog a great workout regardless of weather or environment, allowing owners to maintain a consistent exercise regimen. It provides increased muscle definition, toning, improves vitality, increases life span and can help curb destructive behavior or excess energy often associated with the lack of regular exercise. Available at PetGagets.com


Light or Lowfat Dog Food
You are what you eat so if you want to be lean, you've got to eat lean. Many dog food Company's offer a dog food that has fewer calories and fat and increased fiber to help dogs keep their weight down. It also provides great taste as well as the complete and balanced nutrition adult dogs need. Available at any local Pet Smart, Pet Supermarket, or Petco

Pet Insurance is the BOMB!!!

What if your pet becomes sick or is critically injured and needs care that is expensive and you can't afford?

What can you do?

This is a common problem that Veterinarians face. And trust me, it is not a problem that they enjoy. Veterinarians would rather work on making your pet better, not deal with the financial issues that involve good pet care.

So, what can you do if your pet has a problem that you can't afford? I'll give you some tips.

1. Credit cards and checks. If this is an option, ask the clinic if they accept checks and credit cards. This can help in some situations.

2. Care credit. Ask if the hospital accepts "care credit". Care credit is a line of credit that you can apply for on an emergency basis and it can give you immediate access to a credit card with a credit line (often at a fairly reasonable rate). I had to use this option a couple of years ago.

3. Most vet hospitals will give you time to make calls to family and friends or to visit a bank machine to come up with the required resources or deposit.

4. Consider other options. It may be that you can cut corners in some manner now to get you to a local shelter or humane society that may provide less expensive treatment or offer billing for additional tests.

5. Finally, if unexpected expenses are a hardship for you, the very BEST thing you can do for your pet is to get pet insurance early, before your pet has a problem. Get it when your pet is young and healthy and the premiums are reasonable. Also, consider taking advantage of the preventative care options that some companies offer.

Yes, I frequently recommend that you should at least consider pet insurance. I do this because I've seen the lives of many pets saved because their owners had the financial ability to do the best for their pet.

Today I encourage you to take a minute to educate yourself about pet insurance and learn how it can save you money and give you peace of mind knowing that you will be able to provide the best medical care for your dog.

So take a few minutes to learn about the many benefits of pet insurance and get a FREE quote. Go to: petinsurance.com

Take the extra step today and get an instant quote for your dog, you'll be glad you did.

I hope these suggestions help you.