Pet Summer Slimdown
PET CARE COLUMN NOVEMBER 2012
Pet Summer Slimdown
Make sure your pet is in tip-top shape with
advice from one of Purina’s pet care experts
I almost daren’t say it unless I jinx it BUT – summer is almost here! If you’re anything like me, you’ll have been hanging out for summer since the day winter darkened our doorsteps
Yes, it’s about this time that panic sets in and everyone starts working hard to get in shape for summer – but there’s one group that always seems forgotten in our summer slimdown regimes, and that’s our pets.
Unlike us, pets don’t really have the means for self-regulating their bodies. So while you might get the shivers thinking about slipping into last year’s bikini, your pet doesn’t really consider it! However, a slimdown shouldn’t just be about looks, it’s about inner health, and that’s just as important for our pets as it is for us. To help ensure your pet is in tip-top shape for summer, I’ve put together a few ‘Pet Summer Slimdown’ guidelines.
How to tell if your pet is
overweight:
- Stand over your pet viewing the
back. Look for a nice curved indentation in the area of the
waist (just beneath the rib cage). If your pet has a
straight line or even a bowed-out line along the back, your
pet could be overweight.
- View your pet from the side.
There should be a nice ‘tuck up’ area behind the rib
cage and before the hind legs. A pet with a straight line or
saggy belly is likely to mean your pet is
overweight.
- Gently run your fingers along your pet’s
rib cage. The ribs should be easy to feel and the skin
should glide over the ribs smoothly.
- It is important to
feel your pet’s body shape as fur can obscure their true
body shape.
- If you’re not sure, see your vet for a
proper examination!
Getting the right portion
size:
- Read the feeding guidelines on your
Purina pet food packaging carefully and use them as a
starting point – remember the amounts given are usually
per day.
- Feeding twice a day can help to keep your dog
feeling full and satisfied, just remember to feed only half
the recommended daily amount per meal.
- If you give your
dog additional treats during the day then reduce the amount
you are giving them for their meal.
- The recommended
feeding amounts are guidelines only, every dog is an
individual with different dietary requirements (just like
us!), so if you feel your dog needs to lose weight then feed
less.
- However, if you are cutting back on your dog’s
portions remember to decrease the amount slowly so they
won't feel hungry.
Snacks and
treats:
- As a general rule, don’t feed your
pets too much ‘people’ food. It’s often too rich for
them and is usually given on top of their prepared diet,
which can contribute to weight gain.
- It is better to
give treats formulated specially for pets and stick to the
feeding guidelines.
- Set aside some of your pet’s
regular dry food to use as treats during the day that way
you won’t be feeding them extra
calories.
Exercise:
- Make the most of
the good weather and take your dog to the beach or stream
for a swim, most dogs love water but even if they don’t
it’s a great opportunity for them to run and play
regardless!
- If you have an overweight dog that needs
exercise, take them with you when you go walking, but be
mindful that they might not last the distance. Take them for
a short walk and if you need more exercise think of
this as your ‘warm up’ and return the dog home before
going on a power walk. Alternatively go for a slower walk
and stop often to give your dog a rest, while your dog is
resting you can be doing star jumps, squats or push ups,
that way you and your dog get exercised.
- If your
cat is overweight, it might pay not to leave their food bowl
always topped up with biscuits. Instead, feed your cat at
set times sticking to the feeding guidelines and trail the
biscuits through the house so your cat has to get a bit of
exercise to get their biscuits.
- Just like we enjoy
having a buddy to walk with your dog will too. The next time
you are going for a walk with a friend ask them to bring
their dog with them so that you and your pooch can enjoy
some great company and fitness at the same time.
- Cats
and dogs often appear lazy when they are really bored. Play
with your pet, engage with them, and make sure you have lots
of toys for them to play with if you’re out during the
day.
- With the school holidays here now is the perfect
time to encourage your children to play with their pets.
Perhaps they can enjoy a game of fetch together or even hide
and seek, all of which can result in hours of fun and
games!
- Rotate your pets toys give them a different one
each day that way they won’t become bored with them.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pet this winter, Purina New Zealand offers a FREE advice service at 0800 PET VIP (0800 738 847). A dedicated team of pet care experts, including veterinary nurses and animal behaviourists – like Shivaun – are available to offer advice and support on a wide range of pet care questions, from health and nutrition to behaviour, training and socialisation, as well as information about Purina products.
www.purina.co.nz
ENDS