Only about a quarterof the people who start a diet and exercise plan stick with their resolutions for more than a month. Experts atThe Ohio State University Veterinary Medical CenterandThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centersay that partnering with your pet when implementing healthy habits can be a great way to find motivation and make you both happier and healthier.

A balanced diet and regular exercise are extremely important for pets, just like they are for humans, and many of the health benefits of a healthy lifestyle are the same said Arielle Markley, a veterinarian in theCanine Physical Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Centerat Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center.

Markley acknowledges that there are many creative ways to get active with your pet, such as dog yoga, dog Pilatesand couch-to-5K programs, but she urges people to start slowly. Just as someone shouldnt run a full marathon without training, the same holds true for pets. Its important to introduce an exercise routine slowly, especially if petshavent been active.When starting a diet and exercise plan with your pet, Markley says to rememberPAWS:

Liz Weinandy, a registered dietitian at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, acknowledges that change can be hard but says forming a partnership with your pet could be the motivation you need.

Making a commitment to your pet to go for a walk every single day means that youre not only making those changes for yourself, but now also for your pet. We know that the numerous health benefits from embracing a healthier lifestyle, like weight loss, better sleepand overall enhanced mental health, can translate to your pet as well, Weinandy said.

Both experts stress the importance of getting clearance from your doctor and veterinarian before starting any diet and exercise program. Its important to make sure that there arent any other health conditions that might keep either of you from your goals and to have a plan that is tailored to your individual needs.

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Partner with your pet to succeed with diet and exercise... - ScienceBlog.com