Fit Pets!

Fit Pets

Pets are part of the family, too!  Below, are some great tips to give your cats and dogs a Fit Chance:

  • Avoid feeding your pets table scraps and snacks
  • Stick to the recommended daily feeding guide - it can be useful to weigh out the amount at the beginning of the day, to avoid accidental overfeeding
  • Divide the daily allowance into several meals for the most efficient weight loss
  • Keep your pet in another room when preparing or eating your own meals
  • If you have several pets, feed them separately
  • Don't leave any food lying around
  • Make sure you have enough of the recommended food for holidays, and if you're going away, give clear feeding instructions to the person looking after your pet

Dog Workouts

To a dog, a walk is an all-round workout that keeps his body and his mind healthy. But it's important that your dog is exercised every day, not just at weekends. Regular exercise will help him lose weight as well as keeping him fitter, healthier and happier. Extra long walks at the weekend can actually do more harm than good, especially if your dog suffers from arthritis. He may appear to keep up, but he can be stiff and sore the following day.

  • Take your dog to the local park or just along the street. This is a great way to get your exercise in for the day, too
  • Try to walk your dog on different surfaces like gravel, shallow water, fallen leaves, snow or on a rough surface.
  • Use obstacles when you're out walking like trees, ditches and logs for your dog to jump over, crawl under or balance on.
  • Throwing a ball or toy is great exercise for your dog, and you can make him work harder by doing it on a hillside or stairs. Don't throw sticks, though, as they can splinter and cause injury.
  • Hide a toy or some treats and let your dog find it.

Cat Workouts

Healthy cats who spend a lot of time outdoors will get plenty of exercise by hunting, playing and exploring. Overweight and indoor cats on the other hand, often suffer from lack of exercise. But exercising your cat is not difficult, and as well as helping her to lose weight, it makes a big difference to her overall health and happiness.

  • Shine a flashlight on the floor and walls and let your cat play. Alternatively tie a toy to a long piece of string and pull it along the floor.
  • Let your cat play in a box or paper bag (but watch carefully, that he doesn’t get stuck or get injured).
  • Put your cat's food in different places each day (including on top of tall furniture) and bring out the hunter in your cat.