How to Take Care of the Family Pet

If you’ve ever had a pet, you know that they can have just as much personality, and bring as much happiness into the family as any human. As an important part of the family, you naturally want to take the best possible care of your pet, whether it be a dog or a gila monster, and food is a key part of any pet’s health. Listed below are two of the most common food-related problems that pets and pet owners experience, and some tips and tricks to help you if you ever find yourself struggling with them.

Obese Pets

It’s no secret that many Americans struggle with obesity, and the long list of health problems that commonly accompany it. Similarly, more and more American pets are becoming overweight and obese; in 2017, 56% of dogs and 60% of cats were overweight or obese. Obese pets often experience skin disorders, kidney dysfunction, and breathing problems, among other issues.

It can be hard to tell if your pet is overweight. The best way to answer this question is to talk to your vet, but generally, you should be able to easily feel your pet’s ribs with no layer of fat in the way. If you think your pet could stand to lose a few pounds, there are two key elements to keep in mind, and they probably won’t surprise you: food and exercise.

To be effective, you should do your best to calculate exactly how many calories your pet needs, based on their species, breed, size, and exercise level. Don’t let your pets eat over that amount, no matter how cute they are. It’s easier to do this when you provide your pet with a certain amount of food at a certain time, rather than leaving food out for them to munch on all day. Generally, dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, and cat owners should try to offer their pets about three different bouts of intense, five-minute play sessions per day to keep their pet fit and healthy.

Picky Pets

On the other side of the spectrum are pets who refuse to eat, or will eat only very small amounts. This can be very worrying for pet owners, and is a relatively common problem. If your cat or dog won’t eat, try changing their food. The problem might be as simple as your pet not liking the beef flavoring of their food.

If your pet has historically liked a certain flavor of food, but is suddenly turning up their nose at it, reading the ingredients of your pet food might help. In many cases, while a food might be advertised as primarily being one flavor—chicken, for example—the ingredients list might show that there’s also a lot of duck in the recipe that your pet just doesn’t care for. Similarly, adding a little something extra to their food, like bits of cooked, unseasoned chicken, might encourage them to have a taste.

Lastly, make sure that your pet isn’t eating too many treats, or too much human food. Just like a kid eating cookies before dinner, it’s possible for pets to spoil their appetites! Additionally, if your pet does eat a lot of human food, it might be making him or her feel sick. Many human foods aren’t especially good for pets, and knowing exactly what your pet is eating can make you a better, more informed pet owner.

Being a pet owner is a big responsibility, with many different facets of pet care to consider. Your pet’s food and eating habits are a crucial part of that care. By encouraging your pets to eat healthily, whether that means cutting back on the treats, or encouraging their appetites, you are taking great strides towards a happier, healthier pet. That said, don’t forget that no matter what health problems your pet might be experiencing, a vet is always the best resource to turn to with questions.