In this issue
- Could your pet win the Pet Factor?
- Don’t let your pet pile on the pounds this Christmas!
- National Pet Month celebrates 21 years!
- Winter Healthcare
Pet obesity is fast becoming as serious an issue for pets as it is for people, with nearly half of dogs and cats thought to be in this weight category, resulting in a rise in diet-related problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Just like us, pets can pile on the pounds at Christmas with a calorie-loaded combination of tempting tit bits and limited exercise.
It’s a good idea to weigh your pet regularly to help maintain an ideal weight. If that’s not possible, there are other ways of monitoring it. When you put your hands palm down on your dog or cat you should be able to feel their ribs. If you can see its ribs your pet is probably underweight but if you can’t feel them your pet is probably overweight. The Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) provides handy Pet Size-O-Meters for dogs, cats and rabbits which you might find useful. Of course, there could be underlying health problems for both overweight and underweight pets so it is worth checking with your vet before you change your pet’s diet.
Make sure you are feeding the right amount – follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the size of your animal and don’t leave it to guesswork. If you are feeding dry food, weigh out the correct amount and use the same scoop each time. If you have more than one pet, feed them separately so that they don’t finish off each other’s leftovers.
“Treats, titbits and leftovers from our meals are probably the prime culprits for Christmas weight gain in pets.”
While it’s hard to deny these during the Festive season if you can’t resist make it the exception rather than the rule and remember that certain foods are extremely toxic to animals including potatoes and chocolate, while turkey bones can splinter in your pet’s digestive tract so shouldn’t be fed.
Controlling your pet’s food intake is one aspect, the other is to make sure it gets enough exercise. Although Christmas causes havoc with most of our routines, try not to short-change your dog on his or her usual walk. Don’t overlook your cat either – make sure it is not spending the entire winter curled up by a radiator and gradually piling on the pounds.
National Pet Month takes place from 3 April to 3 May 2010 and celebrates its coming of age.
For 21 years the charity has been dedicated to the promotion of responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, raising thousands of pounds and helping thousands of animals. In 2009 alone, the campaign raised over £64,000 to benefit 35 animal charities and a record 450 events took place across the length and breadth of the UK. Through the continued support of pet businesses, veterinary practices and the British public, National Pet Month hopes to beat this total in 2010.
Make it your New Year’s resolution to start early with your plans to get involved. The campaign relies on pet lovers to hold events and raise funds for national and local animal charities. And, the month is also an important opportunity for veterinary practices, pet shops, country stores, pharmacies and animal charities to rally round and support the initiative.
National Pet Month’s Ten Top Tips for Responsible Pet Ownership
1. Think carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements.
2. Ensure your pet is sociable and well trained.
3. Provide a nutritious and well balanced diet.
4. Provide suitable housing and bedding.
5. Clean up after your pet and worm it regularly.
6. Protect against disease. Your vet can provide you with advice.
7. Prevent unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate.
8. Groom your pet regularly.
9. Control your pet and ensure it is properly identified.
10. Take out pet insurance for dogs, cats, rabbits and horses to cover against unexpected veterinary fees and third party liability.
The main thing to remember for your pet’s winter healthcare is that most conditions aren’t seasonal, so don’t forget that you need to keep up with all the routine preventative care such as worm and flea treatment and vaccination.
Fleas, in particular, are often mistakenly regarded as a summer problem but bear these three facts in mind if you’re tempted to forgo your pet’s winter flea treatment:
· Flea pupae can live for up to one year in homes
· 95% of flea eggs, larvae and pupae live in beds, rugs, carpets and sofas – not on your pet
· One flea can multiply by 1000 in just 21 days
Dogs and cats do feel the cold and conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and hormonal imbalances can affect a pet’s ability to regulate its body temperature. Arthritis is another condition affected by the cold. If your dog or cat seems stiff, reluctant to jump or in pain, take them to the vet as these are all possible signs of arthritis.
Winter also brings its share of weather hazards. No matter how thick the ice seems on the pond, it’s not a good idea to let your dog loose on the ice in case they fall through. Likewise make sure your pet’s drinking water doesn’t ice over so that they resort to drinking out of puddles and ponds
