Obesity in pets can be a serious problem for the health of our cats and dogs, sharing many of the same risks and causes as obesity in humans. By following a few rules, however, it could be relatively simple to encourage your furry friend to shed a pound or two! At The Insurance Emporium, we want to see pets feeling their best, which is why we’re sharing these six tips to help get your pet back into shape!
1. Prevention
The old saying that “prevention is better than cure” is definitely true! Preventing obesity in pets in the first place could be much easier than getting your cat or dog to lose weight. Ensuring they enjoy a good, balanced diet with plenty of exercise from day one might make all the difference!
2. Cut back on treats
Although we all love to give our dogs and cats treats, this should be done in moderation. You could also try replacing treats with their regular kibble, which they would normally eat during the day anyway, or with raw or cooked vegetables. If your pet is particularly interested in toys, you might offer these as rewards for good behaviour instead!
3. Portion control
Whether you’re a dog or a cat owner, your pet’s food packaging will give you advice on how much they should be eating per day. Instead of simply guessing how much they need, you might want to start weighing out their meals to ensure you’re not overfeeding your pet without realising!
4. Spread the word
Make sure everyone who comes into regular contact with your pet knows that they’re trying to lose weight! There’s very little point in cutting back on treats or monitoring portion sizes if someone else in the family comes along with a handful of tasty, but fattening, treats!
5. Exercise
Just as with humans, a great way for pets to shed weight is through exercise! If you’re a dog owner, try taking your canine out for longer walks, especially in locations where they can have a good run around. Exercising cats can be tougher, but by making more time for play around the house or letting them out more, you could be surprised how much difference it could make!
6. Ask the experts
Before making any changes to your pet’s diet or exercise routine, it’s advisable to speak to your vet. They can give you any further advice specific to your pet, and could help you monitor your dog or cat’s weight with regular check-ups and weighing.
We hope these tips will help to ensure your pet continues to be strong and healthy for all your adventures together! If you’re thinking about your dog or cat’s wellbeing, it might also be wise to consider protecting them with pet insurance. The Insurance Emporium offer a variety of policies for pets of all ages from five weeks old, with up to 30% discount* available when you take out a policy. Head to The Insurance Emporium to find out more!
* The 30% discount is made up of 20% Introductory Discount plus 10% Multi-pet Discount (if appropriate). The Introductory Discount is available for the first 12 premium payments on lunar and calendar monthly policies or one premium payment on annual policies.
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