During the holidays it is inevitable that we or our guests
may slip up and our pets may snack on some of the family
dinner table goodies. People are also naturally more giving
and give out more than the recommended quantities of food
and treats. Therefore it is common for the family pet to put
on weight over the holidays just like their human counterparts.
This is a call to action in that you should be aware that
your family pet relies on you to feed it properly. Proper
nutrition and care are needed even when you are feeling
especially giving. A pet treat every now and again is fine
for a reward, but not several times a day for any excuse.
Pets that become overweight wind up having health problems
like diabetes, fatigue, congestive heart failure, enlarged
heart, gall stones, hernias, skin problems and etcetera.
It is also important to make sure that you are feeding your
dog the right kind of food and the right quantities of food.
Quality dog food is specially formulated to provide the dog
with all of its nutritional needs, but of course even too
much of a good thing causes weight gain. Some dog breeds are
even naturally predisposed to gain weight and will have to
have their diet strictly monitored all of their lives.
We all know how hard it is to resist a beloved dog that is
looking up at you adoringly begging for a treat. But it
really is in your dog’s best interests for you to control
its diet so that it can maintain a healthy physique. This,
coupled with exercise, are keys for your dog to live a long
and happy life.
And even though they may grumble and whine about you not
giving them a treat you can substitute with a moment or two
of playing instead of a treat. There are multiple ways to
show that “I love you” to a pet without having to give them
a fattening snack, and a play reward is not only good for
the dog but good for you too.
Taking you dog out for some fetch or flying disk catching
give the dog some attention and exercise. Even a good belly
rub for a few minutes shows that you care and deepens the
bond between the the two of you. Treats don’t have to food
treats, they can be toys and play time or just some good old
fashioned loving.
The best gift that you can give your dog is more attention.
Dogs crave our attention and really enjoy simply run around
and playing with you. Its true that there are some dogs that
are more independent than others, but even these dogs need
some attention and love time or they aren’t going to accept
you as their master. So remember during this busy holiday
season to treat your pet right.
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