Health Tips for Your Pets.....
This January as many pet owners resolve to improve their eating habits and fitness routines Banfield, The Pet Hospital of Livonia, urges them to remember to consider their pets health as well.
"Feeding your pet a balanced diet promotes overall health and allows you and your pet to enjoy more quality years together as a family," said Karen Johnson, DVM at Banfield pet hospital.
In honor of January Pet Food and Fitness Month, Johnson offers the following tips:
- Feed your pet a high-quality diet. Select food made by companies known for staying current on the latest nutritional research. Your veterinarian can recommend the best diet for your pet based on factors including age, health and lifestyle.
- Offer fresh food and water every day. Also, remember to wash bowls regularly.
- Feed your pet the correct amount of food. Determine portions according to your pet's weight and avoid overfeeding. Use feeding recommendations on the pet food label as a guide and adjust for activity level. Your veterinarian can help determine the correct amount to feed your pet.
- Follow a daily feeding schedule. This will help your pet maintain normal elimination habits and avoid indoor accidents.
- Most pets do better when fed two smaller meals rather than one large meal.
- Avoid people food. Your pet's digestive system is simpler than yours and can be easily upset by feeding him or her table scraps. Feeding from the table makes it more difficult to control calorie intake which can lead to weight problems.
- Watch the treats. It's often not the dog or cat food fed to the pet that adds unwanted pounds but high calorie treats multiple times a day.
- Consult your veterinarian for exercise needs. If your considering adding a pet to the family, first determine the pets need for exercise and whether those can be blended into your lifestyle. Your dog needs a walk at least once a day. If the pet has been inactive, start slowly gradually increasing the pace and length. Find a schedule that works for both of you whether a short walk twice a day or one long walk.
- Help your cat stay active. Overweight cats are at risk for medical conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. There are a variety of toys designed to help your cat stay fit and active.
"One of the best ways pet owners can increase the strength of the bond they share with their pets as well as improve their own fitness levels is to introduce daily walks and interactive play," said Johnson.