|
What can owners do to prevent their
pets from gaining too much weight?
Pet owners can take several different steps to help
control their pet's weight. The first is to cut back
on treats and snacks. These are generally high in calories
and may contribute to weight gain. The second step can
be to feed less of the animal's regular pet food. This
usually means measuring the amount of food that's put
into the pet's dish to prevent the serving size from
increasing over time. Third, owners can increase a pet's
exercise with additional walks or playtime each day.
This helps the pet owner as well as the pet, and has
the additional benefit of increasing the amount of time
the pet and owner spend together. Finally, a pet owner
could consider switching to a low-calorie food. These
products are designed to allow an owner to serve a nice-size
portion while still reducing the calories the animal
eats. It is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian
before putting a pet on a weight-loss program. The veterinarian
can help tailor a weight-loss program for an individual
pet and can track progress and help troubleshoot along
the way.
-------------------------------------------------
// ------------------------------------------------
Reprinted with permission by Ralston Purina Canada
|
