Owning a pet is a huge responsibility. Only a pet owner understands that having a pet is very similar to having a child - feeding them the right food and making sure they get enough exercise both play a huge part in a long and happy life. Here are some quick tips to keep your pet healthy and happy. Without drinking water, your cat or dog could become severely ill within hours. Give them constant access to clean drinking water every day. And please note, cow’s milk is NOT a substitute for water when it comes to cats, despite what you’ve heard and seen in movies. Cats and dogs need a wellbalanced, meat-based diet to stay fit and healthy - they cannot be vegetarian. Make sure they have a balanced diet that is suitable for their age, weight, health status and lifestyle. Most typical human foods do not meet the nutritional needs of cats and dogs, and some human foods, such as chocolate and onions, can even be poisonous to them so keep those type of foods well away. Cats naturally eat several small meals per day - make sure you feed your cat every day and try to split their daily intake into several small meals. Dogs on the other hand need feeding at least once per day. But remember, as with all things, take the advice given to you by your vet.
If you provide a litter tray for your cat, make sure their food and water is positioned well away from it. Most cats will not eat if their food is placed too close to their toilet site. Make sure you take your dog out for frequent walks and play some ball games - it’s not only a great way to keep your dog healthy, but it also gets you moving too. If you notice your cat or dog start to change their eating and drinking habits, it could be a sign they’re ill. Take them to a vet as soon as you can to get them checked out.