Vet Susan offers some top advice for those furry friends who don’t feel up to braving the cold
Overweight pets are more likely to experience health problems such as diabetes and arthritis
Pet owners whose four-legged friends are at risk of piling on the pounds during less active winter months are being offered top tips by a leading vet.
Senior veterinary surgeon Susan Hermit says dark nights, wet weather and chilly temperatures mean pets are less inclined to brave the outdoors at this time of year.
Susan, a vet with the UK’S largest veterinary charity, cares for poorly animals at PDSA’S Pet Hospital in Glasgow.
In 2021, PDSA provided 1.8 million veterinary treatments, and saved the lives of 134,000 pets with life-threatening conditions.
A PDSA report published in 2021 revealed that more than 1.4 million pets had gained weight since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As Susan explained, overweight pets are more likely to experience health problems such as diabetes, urinary tract disease, arthritis and breathing difficulties.
She said:“when pets don’t stay active, they are at risk of piling on extra pounds that could endanger their overall health – not to mention boredom, which can put them in mischief ’s way.
Luckily, there are lots of fun ways to keep furry friends entertained this winter.”
Susan says a snuffle roll is a tried and tested favourite for any playful puss or pooch – and it’s really easy to set up.
“All you need is a small towel or blanket, your pet’s normal dry food and a treat or two,”she explained.
“Lay the material on the floor and scatter the food over the top. Then, roll the mat up, making sure the treats don’t fall out of either end. Now your pet can snuffle and sniff out their food, keeping their brain and nose active.”
According to Susan, being stuck inside presents the perfect opportunity to brush up on puppies’obedience training.
“While indoors, you can teach your pup some new tricks or practice ones you both enjoy,”she continued.“using food or treats as a reward is a great way to keep them engaged and let them know they’ve mastered a trick.
“Another fun way to get them excited and build their fitness is to set up an indoor obstacle course.
“Whether it’s using chairs and a blanket to create a tunnel, a small foot stool for the perfect hurdle, or pairs of shoes for them to weave in and out of, the possibilities are endless and can give furry and human family members alike hours of fun.”susan also recommends a
childhood classic – a good old fashioned game of hide‘n’seek. The activity, she says, helps to train your dog as they become attuned to listening and sniffing around to locate where you’re hiding.
“Ask your dog to sit and stay before moving around or leaving the room,”she advised.
“At first, stand or crouch in more obvious places and call your pet to come find you. Not only will they use their eyes, ears and nose to seek you out, they will also engage their brain and employ mental energy. As your dog becomes better at finding you, you can start to hide in more difficult places, like behind a door or curtain.”
As Susan points out, all pets have a favourite toy, whether that be a squeaky ball or teaser on a stick.
Using items that encourage their natural instincts, she says, is a great way to keep your pet entertained – but make sure you swap the toy every few days so they don’t tire of it.
“Homemade toys work just as well as those available in shops,” continued Susan.
“Making them is often easier than you’d think and can help your pet explore their natural instincts.
“For example, we know scratching is an innate behaviour for cats and helps keep their claws in tip-top condition, so why not make your feline friend their own personal scratching post?
“All you’ll need is some sisal rope, staples, and a smooth piece of wood. Wrap the rope tightly around the piece of wood, leaving an inch at each end which you can use to staple the rope into place.
“Make two holes at the top of the wood and feed some rope through so you can hang it against the wall or a piece of furniture in your cat’s favourite spot.
“Boxes can also be used in many ways, from making hidey holes through to creating tunnels.
“You could even cut out holes and connect several boxes together to create a maze for your pet to find their way through.”
Cats are naturally active in short bursts, says Susan, and they love nothing more than chasing and pouncing. If your cat is already slim, active, goes outside to roam, and plays a lot, you may not need to encourage them to exercise,”she said. “If, however, they are a bit more sedate, don’t have access to the outdoors, or are carrying a bit of extra body fat, you might want to consider introducing exercise to their daily routine.
“A good place to start is two 15 or 20-minute sessions each day, which you can increase as they get fitter and more enthusiastic.
“Make sure you keep play sessions short, and always give them enough time to rest in between.”
For more ideas on how to keep your pet entertained this winter, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/catexercise
* PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, is calling on kind-hearted volunteers to support its life-saving work by offering a helping hand in its newest charity shop.
The Motherwell store on Brandon Parade will help to fund vital veterinary work across PDSA’S pet hospitals, which care for thousands of pets whose owners struggle to afford essential treatments.
Shop Manager Lesley Kerr is encouraging animal lovers who can spare a few hours a week to get in touch and find out about the exciting opportunities available.
Call her on 07512 302330 or email kerr.lesley@pdsa.org.uk