Health & Fitness
Keeping Fido Fit
There is no better time to be a dog, but living the good life brings its own set of challenges. Keep Fido Fit is a canine running company dedicated to fighting canine obesity and keeping your dog happy and healthy.
Dogs sure do have it good these days. From high-quality food that is nearly fit for human consumption, to hi-tech toys that make the old Frisbee seem like a prehistoric artifact, there is no better time to be a dog. But living the good life brings its own set of potential problems, canine obesity being one of the most prevalent. According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, approximately 25% of dogs are reported to be obese.
As with the humans, a simple solution of diet and exercise is usually the best way to combat obesity. You can cut back on the treats, change foods, or reduce the number of calories your dog intakes but exercise is also critical. While many dog lovers are willing to do some research and spend a few more dollars on better dog food, some simply can’t find the time to regularly exercise their dog.
A new company called Keep Fido Fit is here to help with your dog exercise dilemma. Founded by Michael Aguenza and Peter Duggan, Keep Fido Fit aims to keep your dog happy, healthy, and active through a customized canine running program. Since July of 2013, Michael and Peter have been designing specific exercise programs that takes into consideration the age, weight, and overall health of your dog.
Michael, Peter, and their four-legged clients can be found running throughout Arlington and Alexandria. Many dog owners, even those who are running enthusiasts, have very hectic schedules and Keep Fido Fit fills that void. After each run with the dog, a virtual GPS map that shows the pace and the mileage in which the dog has run is sent to the owner. Owners can build on this momentum by mimicking the exercise program on weekends or whenever they are available to exercise with their dogs. Keep Fido Fit use these maps as data collection to further enhance performance plans. It’s a great mix of 21st century technology and good, old-fashioned exercise.
Keep Fido Fit works with dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. Dogs are always kept on leashes throughout their runs and no more than two dogs will run at the same time. The best part is Keep Fido Fit comes to you! Michael and Peter will chart a path from your home that includes grassy areas and local paths and trails.
“We see that pet obesity has become an epidemic, and Keep Fido Fit is working with customers and businesses to combat and prevent this issue from growing,” says co-founder Michael Aguenza. “Our research has shown that a short walk alone is not sufficient enough to keep a dog fit. We've found that our 30 minute runs have helped dogs lose weight and improve behavior.”
Keep Fido Fit offers 30-minute and 60-minute runs tailored to your dog’s needs, which include warm-up and cool-down periods. The cost is very affordable and dog owners will receive feedback, performance data, tips and advice. Be sure to check out Keep Fido Fit’s blog and schedule your first appointment today.
* Several of the adoptable dogs at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter are looking forward to their first runs with Keep Fido Fit! Stay tuned for updates and pictures.
