During the Christmas season, there is always an abundance of yummy seasonal food. Christmas ham, chocolate, mince pies you name it ... Many pet owners like to let their pets share in the joys of these delicious treats, and inconspicuously “drop” bits of food for them under the table. The problematic results can become apparent come January: the pet is too heavy. Fido has to get used to a dog’s diet again and Tiger is going on a diet. Is that what we want?
Dogs and cats are increasingly viewed as a part of the family. This means that we don’t like to leave them on their own - perhaps we book a Pawshake pet sitter to be with them -, we give them Christmas presents and share our Christmas dinner with our dogs and cats. All this results in a new trend: overweight pets. Obesity is unfortunately more and more common among our pets. The main culprit? People food ... It’s so hard to resist your furry friend’s beady eyes!
Half of our pets are overweight
It’s quite understandable: During the holidays, we want our pets to enjoy themselves, too. While we are munching away, it’s so hard not to give our pets some any the scrumptuous food. The dog is looking at us with those big beady eyes and Kitty deserves some bits on the side, too. But many experts are warning us of the dangers of people food on pets: most of the food we eat is not good for our pets and they can become too heavy with all those treats. About half of all dogs and cats are overweight, and very often their owners are unaware. The fact that what is a small bit of food for us is a huge portion for our comparatively small pets is easily overlooked. Many of our foods contain fat, grains, suger, salt and other things that aren’t healty for your pet.
Obesity is not just a physical health issue, it makes a pet feel uncomfortable as well. Running, playing and being on the move is the greatest joy for dogs and cats. When they are too heavy, this becomes increasingly difficult. But many pet owners are heaving difficulties denying their pets tasty treats and the pet food industry is all too aware of that fact. There are special light diets, weight consultants and even weight loss classes for pets. But do we really want to put our pet on a weight loss diet in January? Is prevention not better than cure?
Say “no” and don’t feel guilty
We want to spoil our pets, and quite rightly so. Especially if they have had a difficult start in life and have been rescues, many owners think that they should get lots of treats. But experts emphasize that you shouldn’t feel guilty not doing this. Our dogs and cats are unaware of the “holiday spirit” and don’t feel left out! If we just keep feeding them their regular diets, they will be as fit and healthy after the holidays as they were before. A healthy weight means a longer, happier life for your pet.
You want to give them a little something on the side? Go for a chew bone for your dog or a bit of dried meat for your cat. If you want to spoil your cat for Christmas, play with her and give her a tunnel or a toy as a present. And go for a nice walk together with your (Pawshake) dog - that not just healthy for the dog but also for you!
Happy holidays from your Pawshake team!
