Pet Obesity Awareness - News from Samantha

October is Pet Obesity Awareness month so here are a few tips to help keep your family pets in good health and great shape. Information supplied by:

- Samantha Bantam | Veterinary Nutritional Advisor | The Vet Store Vangate

* Avoid giving your pet house food (table scraps). The way our pet's bodies process our food is different and even a small amount of table scraps daily can have a negative impact on your pets overall weight management.

* Labradors and Golden Retrievers are most susceptible to weight gain, especially females. Ensuring that you choose the correct food and follow a strict feeding plan for your pet will promote healthy eating habits and maintain a healthy body score.

* Most vets recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity for dogs and 3, five minute intense play periods for cats, per day to maintain their weight. 

* Common health issues that are often suffered by obese pets include type 2 diabetes, heart and kidney disease and high blood pressure.

* Consult your vet for a free weight check this October to ensure that you are aware of your pets physical condition because obesity can reduce your pets lifespan.