ARE YOU EXERCISING YOUR DOG ENOUGH?

When you think about it, our companion dogs have a pretty good deal. They get their food delivered in a bowl and are able to lounge on the couch or lie out on the lawn most of the day. This way of life can unfortunately lead to weight gain and boredom so it's a good idea to check in regularly and ask yourself, "Is my dog getting enough exercise?"

Many pet owners assume that if their dog has access to a yard, they're getting enough exercise. But dogs generally aren't that good at running laps by themselves and it's the interaction with you that makes all the difference.

The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on their breed, size, age and the condition of their health. Arthritis, heart and respiratory conditions can all be exacerbated by incorrect levels of exercise so it's a good idea to arrange a check up with us before you embark on any new exercise regimes with your pet.

PET CALORIE COUNTER

It's easy to overdo the treats at home and you might not be aware just how much of an impact these treats are having on your pet's weight.

Keep this calorie translator in mind when you are having trouble saying ‘no’ to those adorable eyes!

For the average 5kg cat:

• A 30g piece of cheese is equivalent to a human eating 2.5 hamburgers
• One potato chip is equivalent to a human eating ½ a hamburger 
• A glass of milk is equivalent to an human eating 3 hamburgers! (plus cats can't digest the lactose in cow's milk)

IS YOUR PET OVERWEIGHT?

When it comes to your pet, you might think carrying a few extra kilos isn't a big deal. Think again. Overweight pets are at an increased risk of arthritis, heart disease, respiratory disorders and diabetes. What is alarming is that most people aren’t even aware that their pet is a bit portly.

The best way to tell if your pet is overweight is to take a closer look at them!

When you peer down from above, your pet will have lost definition of his waist. Instead of an hourglass figure he might look a bit round and may even resemble a barrel on legs. You might also have a bit of trouble feeling his ribs when you run your hands over his sides.