In addition to snow-filled walkways and nights by the fire, another thing winter tends to bring along is a few extra pounds. Living in Northeastern PA, us folks at Golden Pet Supplies know all too well that when the weather outside is frightful, an extra cup of cocoa is so delightful! Unfortunately, it’s more delightful on the lips than the hips, and not just in appearance but in health and flexibility as well. Just like extra weight can keep a good dog down and cause undue stress on joints, our own get-up-and-go is affected by every extra calorie as well, leaving us less likely to get the exercise we need – exercise that is often found in a relaxing walk with our four-legged friends.

There’s no time like the present to kick our couch potato habits to the curb. The sun is shining, sweaters are getting packed away, and in many cases, the dogs are quite literally barking! The best part of turning over a new leaf? Many of the benefits are immediate. It may take some time to feel the waistband get looser and feel a substantial increase in energy, but the rejuvenating feeling of getting the blood flowing and enjoying the fresh air kick in begin with the first walk. To be sure you start out your new routine on the best foot possible, check with your physician to ensure you create a plan that suits your current physical condition, and check with your veterinarian as well to see what kind of limits your dog may have. Pushing too hard from the beginning can set you back quite a bit with recovery time, which not only means unnecessary pain, but also presents an opportunity to fall off the fitness wagon once again before you’ve even really begun.

Once you have the people and pup doctors’ go-ahead, think about your diet and your dog’s diet and look for areas that can use improvement. Spring and summer months present an opportunity to include tons of fresh fruits and vegetables into your meals and as snacks, and you can ensure your furry friend is getting his share as well with a selection from our Organic Dog Treats lineup. If joint problems are an issue for either of you, there are a lot of options available to address the aches before they begin. Again, we advise that you discuss some options for you with your physician, and consider our top-of-the-line Re-Leaf Dog Joint Supplement to keep your pooch’s four legs moving swiftly!