PetHealth

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THE GOLDEN RULES OF PET EXERCISE

Lasergames: Catswill stalk a laser in the sameway they wouldabugormouse. Direct thebeamat theground andmove it inquick, short motions. But be careful to keep itwell away fromyour cat’s eyes. Climbingspaces: Catswill climb just about anything for a view fromthe top. Setting upa cat ladder, window hammockor cat castle in your house is agoodway toget themmoving. Hideandseek: Insteadof hiding, set up spaces around your home for your cat to explore, likecardboardboxes withholes cut out. Theywill entertain themselves for hours. Homemade toys: Most cats aren’t fussy about the toy, so longas there’s a humanon theother end. Prioritise interactionwith safe homemade toys like a toilet paper roll. Agilitycourses: For energetic cats try settingupan agility course in your homewith

Optimal fitness is all about balance and tailoring exercise to your pet’s needs. Follow these golden rules.

Have a pre-game plan Mornings and evenings are the best times to exercise in warmer months. Avoid strenuous activity on hot days. If the temperature on the footpath is too hot for your palm, it’s too hot for dog feet. Pets shouldn’t be walked too close to mealtimes as vigorous exercise too close to eating can lead to bloating or a twisted stomach. Activities need to match the fitness capability, breed and overall health of your pet. Some dogs suffer from issues like joint pain that make exercise painful, so consult a vet if health problems are present. If the goal is shedding kilos, ease your pet into their new fitness regime.

Hit your KPIs

objects they can crawl through, jumpover and navigate around.

Dogs need 2 types of physical activity every day. The first is their daily walk. The second is aerobic exercise that leaves your dog panting, including running, swimming or an energetic game of fetch. Research the ideal exercise type for your breed, as some only require light walking while others feel best on 2 hours of vigorous exercise per day. Cats require around 30 minutes of daily exercise to keep them in fighting form. The best way to work out is with energetic play and interactive games that get your feline moving.

18 PET HEALTH