With the new year starting, health is on many people’s minds, including their pets’ health. When their mental and physical health needs are met, dogs and cats can thrive. Here are three opportunities to help support them:
Use indoor time to stimulate your pet’s mind. The cold months tend to keep people and pets inside, where the potential for boredom can be higher—owners of indoor cats know this problem well. One way to help with this is by engaging in mentally focused play. Try foraging games with dogs or cats, where treats are hidden around the home or in specially designed toys, and it’s up to your pet to solve the problem.
Cats especially appreciate play that lets them use their hunting instincts. Make sure to shake up the games regularly to keep pets engaged. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—even just trailing yarn through and around different fixtures around your home and letting your cat chase after it while you spool it up can be fun for both of you.
Use outdoor time to engage your pet’s body. Dog owners, as well as owners who walk their cats, know the value of a nice long outing. It can help your pet meet their need to patrol territory, explore new areas and simply stretch their legs. Outdoor time is also a great opportunity to challenge your pet and let them fully engage their body.
Try taking exercise cues from your pet’s behaviour and interests. Does your dog look for every chance to hop up on rocks or stone walls while you’re walking them? They may enjoy agility-based play or obstacle courses they can clamber and weave through. Are they always straining at the leash? They may respond best to long-distance games of fetch in an open area like a soccer field that lets them run flat-out.
Use meal time to support your pet’s health. All that play needs fuel that will meet your pet’s needs. It’s especially important to look for pet foods that can supply plenty of protein.
Did you know? Many leading pet foods contain canola, one of Canada’s most widely grown crops. Canola meal—the plant parts left after the oil has been pressed from them—is quite high in protein and a variety of amino acids, making it a commonly used plant protein to support pets’ diet and health.
Making informed, healthy decisions is a vital part of looking after every member of your family, pets included.
