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Today, I have a special treat for you. My friend Peggy Frezon, the author of Dieting with My Dog, is back with a new book. Today, this blog is the next stop on her virtual book tour. Welcome to the Fun & Furry, Fit & Healthy Blog Tour!

I had the chance to ask Peggy a few questions about her new book. While composing the questions, I was engaged in a bout of stress eating (unrelated to that activity). I guess that’s somewhat appropriate. (Seriously folks… if stress eating is ever made into an Olympic event, I will win all the medals. In both the singles and team events. Sad but true.)

Perhaps Peggy – along with her dogs Kelly and Ike – can help me put down the cookies and pick up a leash or a dog toy instead!

Anyway… to the interview!

Q: We loved your last book, Dieting with My Dog. How does this book build upon or relate to that one?

Dieting with my Dog is a memoir, it shares more my personal journey losing weight and helping Kelly lose weight. My new book, The Dieting with my Dog Guide to Weight Loss and Maintenance is the nuts and bolts–“How To” information, tips and step-by-step exercises.

Q: What are the benefits of integrating your dog into your fitness routine?

At first, I just wanted to help my dog Kelly lose weight. But I knew that I needed to lose weight too–I needed to get fit and healthy just as much as she did. Exercising together turned out to be the best solution. Kelly is always up for a walk, she never says it’s too cold, or she’s too tired. And she never lets me down. When getting active to help your pet, you end up benefiting as well.

Q: Like you, I have two dogs. Do you have any tips for balancing the fitness needs of two pups? In my case, I have one very active dog (Tavish) and one senior (Bella).

Here’s one thing my family does: We take both dogs to a safe grassy area, and put them on long, long leads (Some may be confident in letting their dogs off lead.) Ike runs around and chases balls till his heart’s content, while Kelly ambles and sniffs. That way we’re all together, and my husband and I can also walk or run or get the exercise we need along with the dogs. You might want to take Tavish for a run in the morning, then pick up Bella for another trip around the block at a more leisurely pace. Some seniors, like Slimdoggy Jack and Sugar, are still very active. It’s important to check with your veterinarian to decide together how much they can handle.

Q: Do you have any recommendations for easy and healthy snacks that I could share with my dogs?

Yes! I always knew about veggies like carrots, but I never knew that many fruits are safe to give to dogs. Ike really likes bananas, and both dogs enjoy apple slices (no seeds, they are dangerous.) Some dogs I hear like watermelon. Also, if your dog doesn’t have a rice allergy, pieces of rice cake can be a good low fat snack.

Q: What about cats? Have you considered writing Fitness with your Feline next? I kid, I kid…

Oh man! Getting fit with cats is tough! Ike LOVES to chase cats if given the chance. Does that count?!

Thanks again for inviting me to participate in the blog tour!

Thank you A.J., Tavish and Bella!

So, there you have it – another intriguing read from a great lady. You can order a copy of The Dieting with My Dog Guide to Weight Loss and Maintenance here.

Have you tried to incorporate your dog into your fitness routine? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Don’t forget to check out the other stops on the blog tour!

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