We wish all our clients and their pets in Bicester everything of the best in 2019

As we recover from the overindulgence of christmas and consider our own ways of losing that extra spread; here are some top tips to help your pets lose weight

    • Feed your pet only when it is their meal times and do not give in to their begging for extra food

 

  • Use treats only when you are training your pet or as a reward for any good behaviour. Provide toys and plenty of fuss and attention rather than treats – something your pet craves more than food!

    If you must give a food treat; make it a crunchy raw carrot or a rice cake.

dog and empty food bowl
    • Do not vary your pet’s food too much as this can lead them to becoming fussy eaters – always waiting for something better – just like children! Make sure your cat is not being fed at another house down the road to satisfy this fussiness.

 

    • Use slow feeder bowls to control the speed of your pet’s eating, and just like us; makes your hungry pet eat more slowly and gives them time for their stomachs to tell them they are full.

 

    • Do not estimate the amount you feed your pet, always weigh it out according to the packaging instructions and keep your pet’s daily food quota in a separate container in case more than one person in the family feeds them – and include any extra treats in that daily quota too. Take this container to any pet sitters or friends who help look after your pet for the day – everyone needs to be involved in the weight loss of your pet.

 

    • Consider buying one of the many pet diet food ranges on offer or even feeding your ‘prone to being overweight pet’ a light diet. These may appear more expensive initially, but in the long run are far better for your pet’s health as they are nutritionally balanced.

 

  • Do not allow your pet to constantly beg for your food by giving in and feeding them what you eat – keep them away from the dinner table if they continue to beg out of habit.

 
Exercise

Even in winter your pets (like us) still need to exercise – no matter if they are a dog, cat or smaller pet. Keeping them trim over the winter months has wonderful health benefits.

Your dog needs at least an hour of exercise a day to keep them healthy – preferably a long walk off their lead, or playing with a ball. Do not forget about including your dog in your new exercise routine – dogs are allowed to take part in the many park runs if that is what your new year’s aim is!

Cats need exercise too –  especially indoor cats; so buy them a number of toys to keep them active – their toys need to be varied to keep them interested as cats get bored very quickly.

Hip Hip Hooray for Ava

Hip Hip Hooray for Ava

Ava is now seven months on from her surgery. She is very lively and is behaving like a puppy again!

A Corny Tale

A Corny Tale

Vet Cliff Maw performed a superficial digital flexor tenotomy on Sidney the Whippet