Pets the cure for couch potato syndrome

Sept. 1, 2011 - PRLog -- With summer fast approaching and the weather warming up people begin to think about ways to shape up and get rid of the winter wobble, a leading vet has revealed that owning a pet may be the motivator we all need to get off the couch and onto the jogging track.

Dr Mark Perissinotto, head vet at VetShopAustralia.com.au said pets encourage people to be active and  to take part in a daily outdoors exercise routine that generally involves cardiovascular exercise such as walking or jogging.

"An active life not only helps people to feel and look good but it also improves cardiovascular health, cholesterol count and blood pressure,” Dr Perissinotto said.

"Owning a pet can give purpose to exercising and motivates people to be consistent in keeping up with fitness routines’ as every pet owner knows -a well exercised pet is also a much happier and better behaved pet"

Dr Perissinotto also believed that in the new age computer based generation owning a pet strongly encourages children to step away from games and television and spend more time outdoors playing and having fun with their furry friend.

"Child obesity is a growing epidemic and the lifestyle choices that children make from an early age can affect their health condition for the rest of their lives,” Dr Perissinotto said.

“Numerous studies have shown that children with pets are more likely to be active and have less chance of being plagued with health and weight issues later on in life.”

“Couch potato syndrome plagues millions of Australians and with winter coming to an end there really are no excuses not to get outside with your pet and get fit.”

“A committed exercise buddy as well as a lifetime companion is the combination that makes pets the perfect cure for anybody who needs an extra kick to get off the couch and get motivated to start leading a healthy lifestyle,” he said.

For fun exercising with pets follow these 5 easy tips from VetShopAustralia.com.au

1.   Find a path for exercising that is pet friendly.
2.   Be responsible and keep your dog on a lead unless in a designated off leash area.
3.   Keep your pet hydrated by stopping regularly to give them a drink.
4.   Only exercise during cooler times of the day to avoid your pet overheating.
5.   Carry a plastic bag at all times in case you need to stop and scoop the poop!

ENDS