Give your pet a happy new year!
With a new year upon us, we're all busy getting back in to the swing of things and trying to stick to our new year resolutions but don't forget the new year is also a good time to make a few changes to help to improve the health and happiness of your pet.With pet owners admitting to feeding their pets tit bits such as crisps, cheese, leftovers and biscuits, it's no wonder that over 50% of pets in the UK are currently overweight.
However, a few simple changes can help to get your pet into tip-top shape for 2009 and Vets Now has some tips to share to help you get your pet as fit as a butcher's dog!
- A balanced diet with plenty of water is essential for a healthy pet
- Don't be tempted to feed your pet leftovers - extra food on top of their existing diet makes it hard for them to shift the extra calories
- Always make sure you are giving the correct portion size for your breed of dog and if in doubt, check with your vet
- Exercise is essential for having a healthy pet so make sure that your dog has regular walks and lots of energetic play, depending on their age and breed. Small furry animals need exercise to so make sure that hamsters and mice have a wheel and exercise tubes to encourage lots of play. Exercise usually comes in the form of play for cats so make sure that your cat has plenty of toys, especially if they are indoor cats
- Avoid sugary treats such as biscuits and sweets as not only are they laden with calories, they are also bad for your pet's teeth
Little changes make a big difference and you'll soon be on your way to giving your pet a healthy and happy 2009!