Canine conditioning program available for residents of Ames and surrounding communities

AMES, Iowa -- Is your canine a couch potato? The Iowa State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital's Canine Conditioning Program can get your dog off the couch and in shape.

Hospital clinicians have developed a program designed to address many of the health problems that affect sedentary dogs. It is open to residents of Ames and surrounding communities. During the program, there will be scheduled walks and activities at locations in Ames.

"Sedentary lifestyles, excessive caloric intake, injuries and a lack of sufficient physical rehabilitation post-surgery/injury can all contribute to weight and body condition problems for our canine companions," said Dr. Kim Langholz, community practice veterinarian at Iowa State.

"The program offers dog owners a fun way to positively impact their dogs' health," Langholz said.

The canine conditioning program has been rescheduled to begin with an orientation and overview from 9 to 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 16, in Room 2532 Vet Med Building. The program will run through Oct. 27. There is a $10 enrollment fee.

Enrollment forms and program details are online at http://www.vetmed.iastate.edu . For additional information, contact Tracy Raef, 294-4602, traef@iastate.edu.