Blog: New Year... Back In Shape?
With Christmas just behind us; detox, diet and exercise is on the top of most people's agenda... so why not get your pet involved too?
It's estimated that around 33% of Britain's pets are overweight. Obesity in pets can lead to serious health complaints such as heart problems, diabetes and joint problems being the more commonly know health problems. So the correct amount of exercise with a complete diet has never been so important!
Oscars Behaviourist Shelley Aspden BSc (Hons) MSc is here to offer some tips to keep your pets happy and healthy through diet and exercise.
- Diet
It is important to feed your pet a complete diet which is correct for its life-stage. For young dogs and cats an active diet is normally the most suitable diet and for elderly pets a senior diet is required. If your dog or cat is overweight, it is better to change to a 'lite' diet and a reduced feeding rate may need to be considered to help with the pet's weight loss.
Increased weight gain can be avoided by following the recommended feeding rate and weighing your pet's meals out carefully.
Cutting out treats and titbits is a good idea until your pet is back to its ideal weight. Treats are a great way to reward your pet's behaviour and should be introduced as part of a balanced diet. But be careful; when feeding treats remember to reduce your pet's meal intake! It's also a good idea to check the ingredients for sugar. Like our treats and snacks, some pet treats contain sugar and other additives that will not help us battle the bulge...
- Exercise
Both dogs and cats require daily exercise to keep them happy, healthy and prevent behavioural problems developing.
Dogs should be exercised twice daily ranging from 15 minutes a session for a puppy, to in excess of 60 minutes for a healthy adult dog, plus playtime and training. Depending on the age and health of your dog, the amount of exercise you can give may vary. Always speak to your veterinary surgeon about the correct amount of exercise your dog should receive.
You and you dog can be both involved in a new fitness routine by jogging, cycling or walking together. You may need to spend some time teaching your dog to run with a bike. First start with walking with the bike and gradually build up the speed you want to cycle at. If your dog shows any signs of being nervous around your bike, stop the exercise.
Giving your dog 'off-the-lead' exercise will allow them the freedom to run around, investigate their surroundings and socialise with other dogs. It's a great form of exercise and is good for behaviour and well being.
Keep your dog busy on a walks by introducing fun games such as chase the ball or find their favourite toy. Playing hide and seek is a great game for the family and your dog will love the challenge of having to find you.
Your cat's daily exercise can be increased by introducing meal times in a activity toy or hiding food parcels around a room and allowing your cat find the food. Playing with your cat before meal times will help to build an appetite up and stop your can getting into the routine of snoozing and feed during the colder months. Get your cat interested in play by introducing toys which stimulate their predatory behaviour. Such as fury toys on wands to chase, fury mice to catch or catnip balls, are just a few examples!
For further advice please contact Oscar Pet Foods Pet Behaviour Counsellor; Shelley Aspden BSc (Hons) MSc* on:
- Call: 0800 195 8000
- email: helpline@oscars.co.uk.
- twitter.com/oscarstwelpline
- facebook.com/OscarMuchMoreThanPetFood
Full details of this FREE service can be found at www.oscars.co.uk/helpline
Shelley is a provisional member of the APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors)
