PetHealth

EXERCISE IS LIFE

“Many chronic inflammatory, allergic and autoimmune diseases can benefit from changing the diet and improving gut health.”

For active dogs who need more exercise, try a game of fetch or taking them to a dog park where they can run around off the leash. On rainy and cold winter days, a game of tug-of-war or an indoor obstacle course will keep them moving – because it’s important to keep up regular exercise even when the weather isn’t great. Dr Hayes says dogs who are used to lots of regular exercise

can sometimes suffer in winter when owners are reluctant to take them out on cold, dark mornings for their daily walk. “Vets can often see more destructive behaviour with the lack of exercise and mental stimulation,” he says. Cats also need daily exercise of around 30 minutes. Get them jumping and climbing with a cat tower, or chasing and pouncing on an enrichment toy.

Exercise boosts immunity by promoting wellbeing through weight control and building strong hearts,

lungs and bones. What helps make

exercising your dog easy and fun is that it is also beneficial for you. Activities can be as simple as a daily 30-minute walk, run or swim with your dog.

Ivory Coat vet Dr Angus Hayes

For dogs that do not appear to be at their best, eating traditional grain containing pet foods, grain-free food is a healthy and nutritious alternative. If your dog is generally in great health with no issues, you can happily feedthem food with or without grains ( just make sure it’s nutritionally complete and balanced). To boost immunity, add vitamin-rich foods to your pet’s diet. Blueberries and pumpkin are excellent sources of vitamin C, while carrots contain betacarotene, a precursor of vitamin A, which is anti-inflammatory and promotes eye health. Cats will need their vitamin A from a meat source. Much like humans, hydration is also important for animal digestion and waste removal processes, particularly in older animals. Always ensure your pet has access to fresh drinking water and shade. You can also including moisture-rich foods into their diet, such as wet pet foods.

WHAT

It is important to feed your pet a complete and balanced diet that contains the right levels of all the essential nutrients – including protein, fat, fibre, vitamins and minerals. There are many types of pet foods and diets. What you need to feed your pet depends on their breed, life stage, preferences and sensitivities. Some pets crave a variety of different flavours and textures. Others prefer only select foods. If your pet has an intolerance to certain ingredients like grains or chicken, be sure to read the ingredient list before offering food up grains, while others are grain free. Whole grains, which include brown rice and oats, are unrefined grains which are nutritious and encourage a healthy digestive system. for dinner. Some pet foods contain whole

THEY

EAT (AND DRINK)

MATTERS

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