Is your pet overweight?
According to new survey data our pets are getting bigger, putting them at greater risk of ill health. With pet owners leading busy hectic lives it seems we have less time to exercise our pets, but still insist on giving them too many pet treats. If you think your pet is overweight or would like to stop them becoming overweight what can you do about it?
- walk your dog or play with your cat regularly each day
- if your pet is old or infirm break exercise periods up into small periods (10-15 minutes)
- increase exercise slowly, a small dog needs at least 30 minutes a day and a larger dog more
- keep pet treats to a minium
- don't give your pet titbits from the table
- speak to your vet about a suitable feeding plan for your pet or use the guidelines on pet foods
- use a smaller feeding bowl so that you don't overfeed your animal
Like humans, pets need to be introduced to these changes slowly. Its cruel to force your pet to lose weight quickly by trying a crash diet. If they are very overweight take advice from your vet. Like with adults, losing just a small amount of weight can improve the health of your pet significantly. Extra exercise is good for pet owners too and will help improve general fitness and health.
Don't forget smaller pets should have regular exercise too, so remember to let the rabbits have their daily run, give the hamster an exercise wheel and allow your bird to fly freely each day. If you are a young pet owner check with your parents first before you let your pets out.