Your problems can affect your pets

A few simple strategies can help improve your pet’s daily life

Although pets may be considered a furry family member, it is important to remember our pets’ needs and how human behaviour can impact their health.

OBESITY

It’s very common for an overweight owner to raise an overweight pet. Excess weight in cats and dogs can lead to serious health problems including diabetes, joint and ligament damage, heart disease, breathing problems, decreased liver function, increased risk of cancer, decreased immune system, skin/coat problems and decreased quality and length of life. Make sure your pet is being fed the recommended daily nutrition allowance, and given enough exercise for its breed.

SMOKING

Second-hand smoke can affect animals as their oral tissues are exposed to carcinogens in the air, our clothes, hair and furniture. Health risks range from respiratory problems to nasal and lung cancer in dogs and lymphoma in cats. Birds can develop pneumonia, lung cancer and eye, skin, heart and fertility problems. Make sure you smoke outside. After smoking, change clothes and wash before touching your pet, and dispose of cigarettes out of reach of your pet.

DEPRESSION

While our mental health issues do not have a negative effect on our pet’s behaviour, when we are dealing with our own problems we may neglect the needs of our pet. Try to keep up with your pet’s usual routine and give it the best interaction you can. If the thought of taking your dog for its usual walk is causing you anxiety, attempt a short stroll or play fetch indoors for longer.