Essential weight management for your pets
As much as we love giving our gorgeous pets a treat now and then it can be damaging if not kept in check especially over the xmas period! It can be hard to notice them gaining the pounds when you’re around them every day and we’re all guilty of wanting to reward their cuteness. You’ll be pleased to know that it’s absolutely fine to treat your pet especially if you are training your dog for instance, they need some incentive! Just be mindful that if you give them a treat, you then need to cut back on how much you give them at meal times. Also, look at the fat content of the treat, low fat doesn’t = boring… its worth doing your research. Our dog and cats fave treats are chicken which is lean (no skin) and also great for when they have an upset stomach!
To help you keep an eye on your dogs weight, every time you go to your vet for a check up or vaccination just pop them on the scales. The best way to weigh your cat is to stand on your scales at home on your own. Once you have taken a look at your own weight pick your cat up and stand back on your scales together and check to see the new weight. Take away the 2nd weigh in results from the first and there you have it, the weight of your cat, simple and scratch free! If your cat doesn’t like being picked up then maybe pop them into their pet carrier with the same method as weighing if you’re holding them. Weigh the pet carrier first, then with them in the carrier.
Other signs your pet has gained weight is if you need to loosen their collar, loss of a defined waist, struggling to walk, slower movement, shortness of breath, bad temper and sleeping more than normal.
What can happen if you don’t keep your pets weight in check?
It can lead to all sorts of nasties: heart disease, osteoarthritis, diabetes, urinary stones to name just a few. Whichever way you look at it you are shortening their life if they gain weight even if it’s that they’re slightly overweight, its a slippery slope and hard for them to shed it. So scrap the idea that food is love… show them love by getting them lots of exercise (according to age and breed) and the right amount/right type of food for their breed and age. If you aren’t sure look up the food you are feeding your dog online. Every brand of food will/should have a website that will give you quantities to feed your dog. Failing that just ring your vet for advice.
Exercise is crucial for your pets mental wellbeing just as much as it is for weight loss although saying that, exercise isn’t enough on its own. As we know with keeping weight off as humans the most important thing to do is to cut down on the calorie intake! When exercising your pet try as much as you can to walk them off lead in safe parks, beaches (where you’re allowed) and countryside near where you live. This is a great website to find new and interesting walks in Sussex, walkiees.co.uk Try to vary the locations and incorporate as many interactions with scent and socialisation with other dogs as you can but most importantly try to play with them. Walking is a great way to bond with your dog, just the 2 of you, in a beautiful environment.
Please remember if you don’t have time to walk your dog or you can’t walk them due to your own health issues just get in touch and we’d be more than happy to help out. Just go to our contact us page, fill in the form and we’ll get back to you to meet you and your dog.