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Pet Talk

An active pet is a healthy pet

2/19/2021

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We all want a happy, healthy, and long life for our pets and we try to give it to them through routine veterinary care, enriching environment, and nutrition. While our pets love treats and food can be a very good aid to training, it is too easy to shower affection through food which might be detrimental to their health. Moreover, while some pet parents can't resist sharing their food with their beloved pets, not every food is meant for them. Some foods can pose serious health threats to our favourite furry friends.

​Overfeeding is another practice bad for your pet’s health. A heavier weight will lead to the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory disease, kidney disease, arthritis, and even cancer for your pets. Thus the most effective way to keep your best friend around for a longer period of time is keeping them active and lean. So if your pup looks obese or your cat has become fat keep on reading this article to know how to keep your pets healthy and lean. It is just as essential for our furry friends to maintain a healthy weight through
exercise and eating thoughtfully. Since our pampered pets have to no longer hunt for their meals. Keep on reading to find out how to keep your pets active and slim.


Daily walks

The best part about taking your dog for a daily walk is that it is not only tremendously beneficial for your dog but also is good for your own health. Daily walks are a great form of physical activity for both the pet and its owner. Getting out of the regular environment and getting some fresh air and sunshine is really helpful for you and your pet's mental and emotional well-being. So make sure you are taking time out for your pet so that you can enjoy some quality time with your pet outdoors.

Exercise and play
It is important that your pets have an active lifestyle. So if you miss out on your daily walk you can just stay indoors and give your pet some activity. You could just move your furniture and open up space for your dog to get crazy. They can be playing with their favourite toys or you could engage them with some interactive game. Generally, cats do not like to exercise. Thus playing with a yarn ball or ribbon is a great way for cats to engage in constant physical activity. You just have to make sure they are getting an adequate amount of exercise.

Don't overfeed
While a good diet and essential nutrition are essential to keep your dog healthy, it is important to note that not all foods have the same nutritional value. Some foods have high amounts of sugar and dietary fillers which are detrimental to your pet's health. Good quality foods are high in calories along with nutrition content and thus must be fed to your pet in small portions. You should consult your veterinarian or the local pet store nutritionist to find out what type of food in what quantity is best for your pet. 

Avoid excessive treats
We love to pamper and spoil our pets, but too many treats can lead to your pet gaining extra pounds that reduce their life expectancy and cause several other health risks. We don't want our pets to be unhealthy and uncomfortable. Hence it is best to treat your pet to snacks in small portions. Tiny training size treats and pieces of kibble are a great low-calorie way to tell your pets you love them. However, it is still fine to occasionally give them special treats or calorie-dense food.

Low-calorie chews
When you need to keep your dog busy and content for a long time while also keeping him lean and fit low-calorie chews are a great option. Chewing is not only good for the dental health of dogs but also helps in strengthening muscles in the chest and neck which is beneficial for preventing arthritis at a later age. Thus you can give your dog long-lasting low calorie chews to improve their health while keeping them fit and active.

Consult your veterinarian
If you are following the above guidelines and still your pet is obese and low on energy it means that it is time for you to consult a veterinarian. Your pet doctor can do a physical examination and get tests done to check for underlying conditions that are impeding your pet's health. There is no need to be intimidated. You have to remember that a proper diagnosis is very essential for a treatment that can improve the quality of life of your pet 
Weight loss for pets is not about starvation it is about precisely calculating the right amount of food that your pet needs and complementing it with sufficient physical activity for a healthy and happy life for your pet. Now that we have discussed in detail the essential steps to keep your pet active and lean we hope you will be able to take proper care of your furry friends.



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    Author

    Melissa Kauffman

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 Gulf Coast Humane Society, 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, FL. 33916      
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Phone (239) 332 0364  Fax (239) 332 8676    
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Spay/Neuter Clinic (239) 332 1573
                            2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, FL. 33916 
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Gulf Coast Humane Society Veterinary Clinic
2685 Swamp Cabbage Court, Fort Myers, FL 33901
                     Clinic  (239) 332 2719  Clinic Fax (239) 332 4391
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