5 animal welfare tips to help them live their best active lives

When we talk about wellness, we don’t mean that you should give your cat some green juices or start your dog’s day with meditation instead of running in the garden. Well-being is defined as the state of health of body and mind. And who doesn’t want that for their four-legged best friend? They improve our well-being, so here’s how we can support theirs.
Plan their well-being checks
Once they reach adulthood, all cats and dogs should see their veterinarian for a physical exam at least once a year. The vet will also ask questions about their behavior, diet and general health.
In addition to this, regular home technical checks are essential. Look at their coat – it must be shiny and shiny. Clean them several times a week and make sure their skin is smooth and dandruff free. Brush your teeth regularly and check for healthy pale pink gums. And make sure their eyes are bright and clear, their noses scabless, and their ears clean and odorless.
Give them the best nutrition
To feel better, we need a balanced and nutritious diet. The same goes for our pets. High-quality animal protein, like chicken or salmon, should be at the top of the list of pet food ingredients. You should also look for additional animal protein, healthy grains, omega oils, minerals, and vitamins.
Animal feed specialist IAMS has been making high quality pet food for over 70 years, providing nutritious and tasty recipes for dogs and cats of all ages. IAMS for Vitality Cat and Dog Food has been carefully formulated to ensure your pet gets everything they need to support the Seven Signs of Healthy Vitality, including Animal Protein for Strong Muscles, Omega-3s and 6 for healthy skin and coat, fiber for healthy digestion and vitamin D and essential minerals for strong bones.
Pet food doesn’t have to be universal either, which is why IAMS is tailored to your pet’s needs, with a full range covering different life stages, breeds and dietary needs.
Avoid anxiety
Dealing with life after the lockdown is not just a concern for us; if we work from home, it will also affect our pets, who have become accustomed to welcoming us 24/7. Separation anxiety is more common in dogs than in cats, which are naturally independent. Experts therefore suggest that you gradually get your puppy used to a new routine and spend more time alone before heading back to the office.
As a first test, leave them alone by going to another room and use a phone or webcam to check their response. If they remain calm, start leaving the house for short periods of time, slowly but steadily increasing the amount of time they can be left alone. If they seem anxious, keep trying shorter periods until they feel more comfortable. Remember to leave and come back calmly, so that they don’t feel any anxiety. Also, avoid making a goodbye meal as they will realize that it means you are about to leave and it will inflate their stress.
Follow their shape
Exercise is essential for both mental health and keeping animals in good shape. The amount of exercise they will need depends on their size, race, health, and age. For cats, at least two play sessions per day, about 15 to 20 minutes each, should help them stay active. Give them a climbing pole and interactive toys to keep them entertained, too.
Dogs need at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day, but every dog ââis unique and may need even more. To track your dog’s activity (and any changes), try a FitBark GPS tracker. It records activity levels, sets daily goals, and monitors sleep patterns.
Watch their weight
It is estimated that 51% of dogs and 44% of cats in the UK are overweight – and it’s our fault, not theirs. The causes include giving them the wrong type of food, overprocessing and providing insufficient exercise. Other factors, like sterilization and illness, can also cause weight gain, but all of these can be managed.
The type and amount of food a dog or cat needs depends on their breed, type, age, health, and lifestyle. Use the directions on the package as a starting point and always weigh your pet’s food. Speak to your vet if you are concerned – he may recommend switching to a low fat version, such as IAMS for Vitality Light In Fat cat and dog food, which is 30% less fat *, while providing the same expert complete and balanced nutrition.
Give your pet a balanced and nutritious diet with IAMS
* vs. IAMS for Vitality Adult with fresh chicken
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