While we quarantine , your pet isn’t able to enjoy the dog park or long walks like they used to but it is important your pet maintains a healthy weight. According to a recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 55.8 percent of dogs and 59.5 percent of cats are overweight or obese. Roughly 80 million U.S. dogs and cats share an increased risk for weight-related disorders such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, hypertension and many cancers.
Unfortunately, many pet owners do not even know their pet is overweight. Can you see your dog’s waist or feel its ribs? Exercise and proper nutrition are as important for dogs and cats as it is for humans. Knowing the ideal weight of your pet is an important step in managing its daily food intake. Age, breed and activity level should also be considered. If unsure how much to feed, check with your veterinarian. Hounds like the beagle can easily gain weight. Calories can creep up on cats resting on a comfy couch. Healthy weight diets, like Halo’s Dog Grain-Free Turkey, Turkey Liver & Duck or Halo’s Salmon & Whitefish for cats are formulated to work with the pet’s metabolism, giving a feeling of satisfaction and fullness with fewer calories. Lower calorie diets, portion management, routine exercise and skipping extra foods and treats can also help with weight reduction. As more and more states begin to cautiously re-open, you and your pet may resume those walks you both miss but, in the meantime, mind your pet’s diet and exercise.
Break out the toys: they don’t have to be expensive. How about this fun idea, make them from scratch yourself. An old tennis ball or cardboard tube can easily be turned into a pet toy. It’s important to keep them active during this period.
Remember your pet loves you so it’s important that you and your pet take breaks and reward yourselves during the quarantine. Show them that you like spending time with them. Just them. This can be playing fetch or simply lounging on the couch while you pet them.