Are you looking for a new exercise buddy to get you back on track now that the warmer weather is here? Dr Guy Fyvie, Veterinary Advisor at Hill’s Pet Nutrition says that your pet is perfect for this role. “Not only will it get both of you up and about, but if you are suffering from the winter blues and persistent lockdowns, then it will help activate your serotonin hormones and your pet will love the quality time with you.” Forget going in search of a human gym buddy, and embrace your four-legged exercise buddy instead.
Looking after and wanting the best for their pets is a priority for all pet parents and as October is Pet Obesity Month, a time to reflect on the importance of monitoring your pet’s weight. “Unfortunately, as with humans your pet’s weight can be affected by lack of exercise, the food they are eating, pre-existing health conditions and even their breed,” says Dr Fyvie.
Also read: Top 5 Brilliantly Easy Ways to Entertain Your Dog at Home
According to Dr Fyvie, even if your pet is not dramatically overweight and only carrying a few extra kilograms, it still puts them at risk of health issues and can reduce their life expectancy by up to two and a half years. Over 20 ailments have been linked to pet obesity, including diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and high blood pressure. “The extra weight may be affecting your pet’s zest for life, however by making a few easy changes, your pet will soon be enjoying his life to the fullest.”
So how do you keep your pet in tip-top shape? Check out these tips to assess your pet’s weight and help them on their weight loss journey:
Visit your vet
The first step is a visit to your vet to assess whether your pet is at the correct weight. The vet will be able to advise you if your pet needs to lose a few kilograms and what the best approach will be.
Keep a check on treats
If you’re a feeder and you have a dog who is very food motivated, then it’s very important to keep a check on treats – extra treats and human food can quickly result in additional calories and kilos. If you want to treat your pet, think of alternatives rather than food, such as a new toy, extra playtime, snuggles and games.
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Encourage your pets to be more active
The best way to help your pet achieve and maintain a healthy weight is to encourage your pets to be more active. While you have been sitting at your desk for hours, your dog or cat has been eagerly waiting for you to spend some time with them.
If you’re unsure of how to help your pet be more active you can try the following:
- Get your dog’s favourite toy and go play catch in the park or the back garden. This will be a great stress reliever for you, quality time with your dog and get him exercising.
- Take your dog for a walk around the neighbourhood or the park. If you can include some obstacles and different terrains, all the better for both of you.
- Boxes, pet tunnels, and a scrunched-up piece of paper are all activities that your cat will love.
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Be aware of weight gain
Some breeds are more prone to weight gain, so you need to be extra vigilant if you have a breed so as a Labrador or a Pug.
Assess your pet’s food
If you’re not sure which food your pet should be on to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, then chat to your vet about the right food you should be feeding your pet. Whether it be to lose weight or to help maintain their weight if they are prone to putting it on, your vet will be able to provide the right advice.
Believe it or not, cutting portion sizes or feeding a low-calorie diet is not an effective way to manage a pet’s weight. Instead, look for weight management-focused food. Something like Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic dog and cat food, for example, uses nutrigenomics to help your pet’s metabolism burn fat as opposed to storing it. Choosing the correct food can help your pet to lose weight without resorting to drastically small portions and will keep them feeling full and satisfied between meals to help reduce begging. Chatting with your vet will help you find the best pet food to suit your budget and your pet’s health.
Find the best prices on pet food online with PriceCheck now:
Get creative with downtime
Whether you are still working from home or have gone back to the office, your pet will love spending some quality time with you. So, the next time you are thinking about sitting on the couch to binge your latest Netflix show, why not have some active time first and let the show be the ‘treat’?
