COURTESY HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY
Janice Sera's cat, Giri-Giri, is 5 years old and weighs 10 pounds which is perfect for his body type.
It's easy to enhance your pets' health and happiness every single day. [ PET OHANA ]
Like us, pets are
happier when activeHawaiian Humane Society
Simply feed quality pet food appropriate to their species and age, give treats as special rewards and add a little exercise to their daily routine.
Your veterinarian will tell you it's basically the same advice that your own doctor would give to the human members of your family.
"Many people struggle with weight control," said Suzanne Sylvester-Palumbo, DVM, owner of the Cat Clinic in Kapahulu, "and your pets can tip the scales if they're not fed and exercised properly."
Some pet owners may buy whatever brand of pet food is on sale, assuming they are all the same. Not only are they all different, but the most expensive pet food might not be nutritionally superior. Your pet's food should provide a balanced diet, so pick a food that says "nutritionally balanced" on the label, and feed an amount per the label directions. Or, better yet, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. Treats? Reward your pet with tiny bits of a nutritious treat. A constant supply of fresh water is important, too.
Reading pet-food labels
Just like people-food labels, the ingredients found in the greatest proportions are listed first on pet-food labels. Look for meats like beef, chicken and lamb, which are high in protein and easily digested by dogs and cats. They should be the first or second ingredient listed. Meat byproducts, the parts not fit for human consumption, including bone, are nutritionally inferior to meat and should be at the very end of the listing or not in the food at all.Ground corn and wheat act as fillers when they are listed "up front" in the first few ingredients. Many pets develop allergies to corn and wheat, but grains like rice, oatmeal and barley are excellent sources of carbohydrates.
Preservatives should be avoided since they may produce harmful side effects.
Only Morris is finicky
Cats are strict carnivores and must eat meat to acquire amino acids to maintain their systems. To keep your cats healthy and happy, feed small meals of a nutritionally balanced cat food two times each day. Keep the cat away from the dog's food bowl, and don't give your cat milk since it can cause diarrhea. Though it sounds monotonous to us, an exclusive diet of a nutritionally balanced cat food is best for your cat.Adult cats sometimes eat in cycles like their hunter ancestors. Some pet owners will mistake their not eating for dissatisfaction with the cat food.
"Switching cat food brands frequently can create a finicky eater and digestive problems," said Sylvester-Palumbo. "We see more and more cats who have a problem with obesity. This extra weight can be dangerous to your pet's health, often causing life-threatening disorders like diabetes and joint problems. An extra 2 pounds on an 8-pound cat is a 25 percent increase in body weight. That's significant. If there's a fat pad between your cat's rear legs or if your cat has lost her contour, it's time to get some advice for your full-figured cat. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a new diet with measured portions, and follow it faithfully," said Sylvester-Palumbo. "Your cat can burn more calories with your help -- increase her activity level so there's less napping and more playing and grooming, at least 15 minutes each day."
The proper chow
Dogs are omnivores and can eat both meat and vegetables. Dog food labeled nutritionally balanced (or nutritionally complete) is structured to provide dogs with the correct amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. If you treat your dog to meat or table scraps, the treats should account for no more than 10 percent of the total diet.Overweight dogs often have health problems and a shorter life expectancy.
Show your love by keeping your dog's weight under control; ask visitors not to give him treats. And include at least 15 minutes of moderate exercise each day.
No quick food changes
Once you have decided on a nutritionally balanced pet food for your animal companion, make the change gradually. Read the package directions for the recommended amount to feed, then mix the new in with your old brand over the course of two weeks, increasing the proportions (but not portions) gradually.Feed kittens and puppies foods specially designed for their young, fast-growing systems until they are 1 year old. When they go for a checkup, ask your veterinarian to recommend a puppy or kitten food and what amount to feed as they grow. Between the ages of 12 to 18 months, gradually introduce adult food into their diet, which they'll maintain for the next six or seven years. As your pets age, their metabolism slows down, so check with your veterinarian when to switch to the "senior" formula, and remember to make the change gradually.
Fun for cats
>> Read "Cat toys and how to use them" in the Animal Care and Behavior section at www.hawaiianhumane.org.>> Find out how to train your cat to walk on a leash. Call 946-2187, ext. 223, and we'll mail you the information.
>> Build a cat playhouse or install special cat fencing so your cat can play safely outdoors. Call 946-2187, ext. 223, and we'll mail you the information.
Dog-gone activities
>> Visit Oahu's two off-leash dog parks, or take a walk around the public parks where dogs on leash are welcome. The list of dog parks is found at www.hawaiianhumane.org in the Programs & Services section, or call 946-2187, ext. 223, and we'll mail you the list.>> Hike with your dog! Led by a Humane Society volunteer, the Paws on the Path group hikes trails on the last Saturday of each month. No reservations are needed -- meet at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 31 at Likeke Trail in Kaneohe. For directions, call 946-2187, ext. 217, or check the calendar of events at www.hawaiianhumane.org.
Small mammal smiles
>> Bunnies and guinea pigs get exercise in a safe "playland" that you can put together easily. Block off a safe area free of electrical cords, then place shoe box "hills," cardboard ramps, lau hala tunnels and fresh vegetable treats around the space to keep your pet running from one surprise to the next.>> Figure out what toy your small mammal likes best, then use it to play "catch." Rabbits and guinea pigs can quickly learn to retrieve toys in a safe area where they can run freely. It's fun for both of you.
The Hawaiian Humane Society is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. It is at 2700 Waialae Ave. Call 946-2187.
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