Fit as Fido, in the pool

While it is true that I would find just about any excuse to share this photo with you, I have a legitimate reason to show off the amazing Lloyd, a yellow lab puppy who's part of the Kids and Canines assistance dog program in Tampa.

We have a great story this week from Dr. Dawn Marcus, a neurologist at the University of Pittsburgh, about getting fit in the pool, and how your favorite dog can help inspire you. I also wrote a column about Dawn and her book, Fit as Fido, and blog of the same name.

So where does Lloyd fit in?  As careful Personal Best readers know, my husband and I volunteer with Kids and Canines, helping to care for puppies. Lloyd, seen here at 10 weeks, is a newcomer to the program, but if the two weeks he spent with us recently are any indication, he'll be a star.

One hot day, we decided to see if Lloyd might prefer swimming to walking. Sure enough, he took to it like the Labrador retriever he is. As Dawn writes in her story, he had to be shown the steps so he could get out of the pool safely on his own, but he certainly didn't need any flotation devices. We just perched him on this inflatable turtle because .... well, for the same reason people dress their dogs up for Halloween. Lloyd withstood it all with stoic grace.

So I hope you enjoy the photo, and Dawn's insights into why your dog can be your best fitness partner.

Charlotte Sutton, Health and medicine editor

Gone to the dogs and glad about it

It's Friday, which means the weekend is almost here. So it may not take much to put you in a good mood, but this video of the amazing dancing Viva from America's Got Talent, brought to our attention by Personal Best reader Bob Clark, will definitely do the job if you've got a soft spot for dogs and an excellent sense of humor.

And speaking of dogs that move, this week's print issue of Personal Best has a cover story on getting fit with your dog. It hits driveways all over Tampa Bay on Saturday, but you can see it now right here.

Walking the dog may seem like the simplest thing going, but there are some extra precautions you should take in the summertime for both you and your dog. Especially if yours is one of the millions of American dogs that -- like their owners -- need to drop a few pounds.

Most dogs and their people will probably stick with the running and walking options, but we also tell you about doing yoga with your dog. Go ahead, laugh all you want. It is Friday, after all.

Charlotte Sutton, health and medicine editor.

Beat the heat: Don't forget Fido and Fluffy

Our theme this week is how to beat the heat. Don't forget, heat can hurt pets, too. Never leave a pet in a car on a hot day, even if the windows are cracked. Go out for play or walks in the early morning or late evening. Remember that older and overweight pets are more likely to overheat. Also be aware that asphalt, concrete, brick and decking material can be very hot under your pet's feet. If pets must stay outside, provide shade, cool water and protection from storms. This link may also be helpful.

Irene Maher, Staff Health Writer

Get ready for National Hairball Awareness Day

Ever since our new health team at the St. Petersburg Times got started a couple of months ago, we've been dazzled at the amazing number of National Days of This and National Months of That, times to honor any number of dread diseases, annoying conditions and Issues Requiring Public Attention.

Now, don't get me wrong. It's certainly important to raise public awareness of heart disease (February) strokes (May), Lyme disease (also May), and I can even go for National Salad Month (also May).

But I had to supress a giggle at National Hairball Awareness Day, which apparently is Friday, April 24. Yes, it's real. It even has its own patron saint, Romeo the Cat, who naturally has his own Web site, full of photos, and tips to help kitty avoid this most dreaded scourge. 

Interestingly, some of these tips are the same things we two-legged cats are supposed to do to stay healthy: stay hydrated, eat adequate fiber, and brush your hair with something other than your tongue. (If Romeo could swear, I guess he'd swear by the Furminator.)

Ooh, here's the cool part: You have until 9 p.m. Thursday to enter the "Who's Your Favorite Furball'' contest.

Ok, Romeo, you got me at ACKKKKKKK, or however you spell the charming sound a cat makes when it's coughing up a hairball.

Charlotte Sutton, health and medicine editor