Spring’s Arrival Can Help Your Cavalier From Being Dogged By Obesity

It’s an unfortunate statistic, but more than half of dogs in the U.S. are overweight and that, of course, can lead to a myriad of health problems ranging from arthritis to heart disease.  Like their owners, dogs spend a lot less time outdoors and staying active to keep the pounds off during the Winter months – but fortunately, Spring has finally arrived and the urge to resume outdoor activities can benefit everyone!

A brisk walk is an ideal activity you can enjoy together and rarely will your Cavalier not be excited to venture out into the fresh air.  If they’ve had a particularly lazy winter, be sure to start at a slow pace and only cover a short distance before building up both the speed and distance covered over time.  Perhaps you’ll even find yourselves hiking some trails (with all of the appropriate vaccinations against unwelcome critters that might hop on for a ride, naturally)!

If you are a pool-owner, consider tempting your Cavalier in for a swim with you … many of them love the water and it’s a terrific method of exercise because it’s so low-impact on their joints.  Always swim together though and be extra cautious about the likelihood that your Cavalier will jump in when you aren’t there to lifeguard, as far too many dogs have succumbed to drowning when swimming unaccompanied and finding themselves too exhausted to reach the stairs.

And of course, catching a ball or Frisbee is an all-time favorite outdoor sport.  Just keep an eye out for the onset of heavy panting and stop for a rest and a well-deserved pet.  Because if there is one thing for certain, it’s that you’ll tire of this greatest pastime long before your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will!