FIVE TIPS FOR HEALTHY PETS

1 FEED WITH LOVE

Favour whole foods packed with vitamins and digestible proteins. My top food recommendations are Canagan dry, Lily’s Kitchen dry/wet and Natures Menu raw/wet varieties.

2 MAKE TIME FOR PLAY

Most cats like playing games that fulfil their hunting instincts: check out Catit, who make feeding towers, mazes and activity centres. For dogs, KONG make some great toys.

3 THE RISKS AT HOME

Bulbs such as daffodils and tulips can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Many members of the lily family can lead to potentially fatal kidney failure. A lot of foods can also be toxic, such as chocolate, raisins/sultanas/grapes, and members of the onion family.

4 VITAL VACCINATIONS

Vaccinations are now tailored according to lifestyle. Most dogs don’t require yearly vaccines. Ask your vet about a test to check immunity.

5 FIRST AID RULES

The ABCs of first aid apply. Make sure that the airway is clear. If you can’t see an obstruction, apply quick, firm pressure in four to five bursts to ribcage. If your pet isn’t breathing, perform ‘mouth-over-nose breathing’. Circulation: perform chest compressions if there is no pulse.