In Britain, we are a nation of pet lovers. Whether you are a dog person, a cat person, or even a bird person, no one loves their pets quite like we do here in the UK.
But the love and affection we all show to our pets is not always a good thing for them. Pet obesity is a growing problem in the UK, and can affect pretty much any animal.
So how can you combat obesity in your pet? There are a number of easy steps to ensure you keep your pet fit and healthy.
Don’t overfeed
Dogs and cats – the most popular pets in the UK – are the most likely to gain weight as a result of overfeeding.
It is easy to give your pet large bowls of food for dinner, as their appetites can seem insatiable. But be careful to only feed your pet the recommended daily amount.
Avoid treats
Using treats is a great way to reward your pet for doing something good, which is especially useful when training them.
But try to avoid making treats a regular occurrence. The whole point is that they are a rarity, so don’t let your pet get used to them.
Choose a calorie-controlled diet
There is an awful lot of pet food on the market to choose from, so it can be hard to know where to start. But take notice of the calories in each one, and consult your vet as to what type of diet would be best.
Don’t give them leftovers
Your dog, or even your cat, may hang around the dining table every night hoping for some leftovers at the end of the meal, but try to avoid giving in.
Pets will stay healthy by only eating at specific mealtimes, so even if it seems like a waste to throw food away, don’t give it to your pet.
Regular exercise
This applies more to dogs than any other animal, as they need to regular exercise to stay healthy. Remember to walk them at least twice a day, to ensure they keep their weight down.
If you are concerned about expensive veterinary bills, consider taking out pet insurance.
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