Trends for January 14, 2002

Lisa Ferguson

Monday, Jan. 14, 2002 | 8:23 a.m.

Four-legged fitness

So you've made a New Year's resolution to get yourself into shape, lose a few pounds and ditch that weird flab of skin that dangles from the underside of your arm. (How did that get there, anyway?)

But have you given much thought to Fluffy's and/or Fido's well-being? For that matter, when was the last time you gave your four-legged friend a good look? Chances are good he or she is also packing some extra pounds.

So say the folks at Iams. The petfood company recently released a slew of information about overweight cats and dogs. Among the findings: 40 percent of pooches and felines, similar to 61 percent of Americans, need to lose weight.

And helping members of the animal kingdom to slim down may not be as tough as it seems. In fact, the exercise tips don't vary much between the species. With either a dog or a cat, a pet owner can use these tricks:

Among other fitness tips for dogs: Use an old shirt, towel or sack for a game of tug-of war; create an obstacle course, with large boxes and plastic cones, for the dog to run through and around; and don't overlook an old-fashioned game of Frisbee at a dog park.

When it comes to working out with Kitty, try using catnip toys to get him or her riled up and running; or bounce a pingpong ball across the kitchen floor for the cat to chase.

Meanwhile Iams is also offering to pet owners a free Weight Loss Kit specifically designed for cats and dogs. Both kits come with a coupon for Iams food (naturally), and a leash and food-measuring cup for dogs, or a portion-control bowl and toy for cats.

To order the kit, call (800) 863-4267.

All you need is love

Just how much do we love our pets? The American Animal Hospital Association has a pretty good idea.

The international organization of more than 24,000 "veterinary care providers" (and you thought they were called "vets") conducted a survey of more than 1,200 pet owners in the United States and Canada about their adoration for their furry friends.

Turns out, we're absolutely ga-ga over 'em.

Seventy-eight percent of people talk to their pets in a voice different than their normal speaking voice, and 52 percent are certain their pets listen to them better than other people.

Fifty-nine percent of those polled celebrate their pets' birthdays, while 83 percent actually refer to themselves as their pets' mom or dad.

Finally, in the event of the human's death, 36 percent of pet owners have named someone as the future guardian of their pet. Meanwhile, in a life-threatening situation, 44 percent would spend upward of $3,000 to save their pet's life.

If that isn't love, we don't know what is.