Category Archives: Pets

Jul 28 2017

Addressing the problem of pet obesity

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We are a nation of pet-lovers. Just like we reward our children (and indeed ourselves) with treats and toys, it’s very easy for us to show our affection by doling out an extra scoop of food into our pet’s bowl, or slipping them a few extra treats.

However, what we may think is “just a bit extra” can actually be harming our pets’ health. Obesity is among domestic animals is becoming a real problem here in the UK, and according to research by the PDSA, one third of dogs and a quarter of cats are overweight — a scary statistic that shows no signs of abating.

Billy

The PDSA attribute the trend for chunky pets as directly correlative to Britain’s junk food culture. As we reward ourselves for surviving the week with a cheeky Indian, we are unconsciously rewarding our pets in the same way. Worse still, some of us even share our treats with them.

While an overweight pet may look cuddlier, the health implications are substantial. If your pet is carrying excess weight, they will likely find it more difficult to get around as greater strain is placed on their joints, and indeed heart. The effects of this are more likely to felt in warmer weather, with our pets appearing more lethargic and irritable than they usually are. .

The above are just the visible symptoms of pet obesity — it can also lead to serious conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and respiratory diseases.

Your animal’s weight can be influenced by a number of factors—not just its diet. Things like breed, age, sex and whether it has been neutered or not can all play a part. However, the most common cause of obesity in pets is diet—and, as an owner, it’s your duty to do all you can to ensure they get the right nutrients in the right quantity.

This is often easier said than done so dog food retailer Feedem - who offer a range of grain free dog food - have popped together some useful tips to help.

Is my pet obese?

Before you can determine the best course of action, you must first establish whether your pet is overweight. Here’s how to examine your cats and dogs to check their weight:

Cats

    • Ribs, spine and hip bones should be easily seen and felt.
    • When looking from above, the waist should be clearly visible.
    • The stomach should only have a small amount of fat and shouldn’t sag.

Dogs

    • The outline of your dog’s ribs should be easy to see and feel.
    • When looking from above, the waist should be clearly visible.
    • From the side, your dog’s stomach should be tucked up.

If your pet fails any of the above checks, the temptation is to immediately put them on a diet. However, you should always speak to your vet to gauge whether this is an appropriate response, and how best to go about it. Dramatic overnight changes might not be the safest option.

How can my pet lose weight?

Just like their owners, there are two ways your pet can lose weight: limiting their diet and increasing the amount of exercise they receive.

It’s really important to feed your pet a food that’s suitable for their age, lifestyle and health status in order for them to get all the nutrients they require. Fortunately for us, most reputable pet food brands take most of the guesswork out of this with clearly labelled diet plans and formulations. Most human food does not nutritionally support cats or dogs, so should be avoided.

Owners should also better monitor the amount of food given. Whereas cats usually prefer several small meals a day, a dog’s intake is best guided by their vet. Reward your pet with extra cuddles or new toys rather than treats.

Again, it’s always best to consult a vet before undertaking a new exercise regime for your pet, but it is likely an obese pet will be required to do more. The amount your dog needs will vary between breeds. For example, smaller breeds like a pug, a bichon frise or shih tzu will need around 20 minutes a day, excluding indoor play. Larger breeds like dalmations, boxers and border collies will need more than two hours. Take a look at this graphic from the PDSA to find out how much exercise other breeds require.

You can up your cat’s exercise by encouraging them to play with cat toys. This should get them jumping, pouncing and leaping around. You’ll most likely discover their activity levels will naturally increase as they drop the lbs too.

Mar 1 2016

Thinking About Getting a Puppy? Here Are The Best Ways to Care For It

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If you are thinking of getting a new dog or puppy, there are many things you’ll need to consider. Having a pet is a fantastic experience that all the family can get involved in and enjoy, but it is a huge responsibility, and a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Pets become like another family member and are missed a lot when they pass away - it may well be your child’s first experience of grieving. That is why caring for them properly is so important.

If you are collecting a puppy from a breeder or from a rescue centre, think about the environment that you are bringing them home to. They will naturally be wary of you and your home, so it is best to keep loud noises to a minimum. If you are in the middle of renovations, they might need to be put on hold for a few weeks - you don’t want to stress your pet unnecessarily. It’s also important to avoid handling your new dog if it appears to be nervous, an anxious dog can be temperamental.

Dog image

You should establish a grooming routine as soon as possible. Regular brushing helps to get rid of dead hairs from the dog’s coat which will feel so much better, and ensure they don’t end up consuming them when they self-groom. It is also a good time for bonding between the two of you, not to mention the perfect opportunity to check for fleas and ticks. These should be dealt with as soon as they come up or they can cause significant problems. You should also regularly check your dog’s coat, paws, ears, eyes and mouth. Look out for any unusual discolouration or marks.

Dogs can pick up infections or worms quite easily. They may even have them from a young age from their mother’s milk. Worming for dogs should be done regularly as it can cause them considerable discomfort. As well as sickness and diarrhea for your dog, worms can also be passed to humans. Children are the most likely to get them so worming your dog often is a must!

Their teeth also need to be taken care of to make sure your dog stays healthy and well. We know how annoying a toothache is for us, and dogs can get it too. Keeping a few chew toys or chew sticks handy at home is therefore a great idea. You can tell if your dog has a tooth problem if they have difficulty eating. Look out for your dog chewing on one side of the mouth only or if he paws at his mouth more than normal. Make sure you take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if this is the case.

Like we vaccinate our children, we should vaccinate our pets too. It is to keep them healthy so that they can avoid catching a disease or infection that could cause them harm. Your dog needs to have annual booster injections, after their initial vaccinations. It can be a little costly, but it is so worth it.

Do you have a dog or any pets? What are your top tips for taking care of them?

Jun 12 2015

How Having A Family Pet Aids Child Development

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It goes without saying that a pet can bring so much to a home. They become part of your family offering companionship, unconditional love and a fun cuddly playmate! But it also goes far beyond this. They will actually help your child learn skills for later in life and aid their development in ways you may not have realised.

Animals are beneficial for your child and yourself, providing a more harmonious family dynamic and lowering stress for everyone. They have so many benefits in fact, that horses are used for ‘equine therapy’, whereby they facilitate in improving the emotional well being of both children and adults. Likewise, studies have shown that children with autism have made substantial progress related to social interaction when they spend time with a pet.

billy1

My old cat, Billy. Much missed.

If having a young child has made you weigh up the pros and cons of having a pet, here are a few reasons to add to your pros list! Pets are not only a welcome addition to your home they are actually beneficial to the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of your young children.

  • Your pet will teach your child to care for something other than themselves as well as responsibility,which will grow confidence from having something that relies on them. Are they hungry? Do they need to go outside? Do they require some attention? As kids learn their pet’s needs it will also teach them empathy, as they think about what they can do to help.
  • A fun learning experience that teaches them simple tasks, from keeping their water or food bowl topped up to grooming or walking them.
  • They become a child’s best friend, offering a confidant when they feel no one else will listen. They provide comfort; when they are sad or angry they can turn to their pets for support without receiving any judgment.
  • Socialises them and increase verbal skills. Just by being there your pet offers your child the opportunity to practice socialising and talking with another beings.
  • Keeps them healthy, outside running around, not always inside sitting in front of the TV or a computer game.
  • The pet will also help them to develop self-esteem from the praise they receive for looking after them. Studies have also shown that animals can boost academic skills, with pets being a far better reading companion for a child to practice with than an adult.

Your son or daughter’s development can be aided by a range of pets, in particular the much loved pooch! You know the saying dog is man’s best friend, and it’s true they form a bond that you just can’t get with a goldfish!

If you’d like to be greeted by a wagging tail every time you enter the room then check out the Freeads Puppies for sale listings to start the process to becoming a dog owner. Whether you go for a Labrador or a Chihuahua, make sure you look into it thoroughly as a pet is a huge commitment and you need to ensure you get the right one for you. However, once you have found the appropriate addition to your family, the joy and benefits of having a pet will last for years.

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