June• 2019 | 17others want a lap dog to watch TV
with them. Take time to find the
right pet for your lifestyle.3 NOT KEEPING CATS INDOORS
We all want to keep our pets safe
and healthy. It’s a fact that keeping
cats indoors increases their lifespan
by reducing the potential incidence
of fighting with other animals
as well as possible car accidents.
Most cats will live very contentedly
indoors if they have plenty to do.
Consider enriching the home
environment with a climbing tree,
scratching post, toys, cat grass and
access to a view.4 BOREDOM
All pets need an environment that
allows them to express natural
behaviours. When pets become
bored they are more likely to make
their own fun, often resulting in
destructive behaviours such as
chewing, digging, barking, clawing
furniture, etc. It’s important that pets
receive adequate exercise and mental
stimulation. Offering safe chew toys
and food dispensing toys gives dogs
an outlet for chewing behaviour and
can help alleviate stress. Give yourpet as much companionship as you
can and take your dog on outings
whenever possible.5 ALLOWING YOUR PET TO
BECOME OVERWEIGHT
Just like the human population, there
is a high level of obesity among our
pets. And just like overweight people,
there are serious health implications.
Obese pets are prone to cardiac
disease, respiratory problems and
diabetes. Monitor your pet’s weight
and be sure to reduce caloric intake
or increase exercise if necessary.Don’t let your pooch pack on the poundsPHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
1 Don’t give cats
cow’s milk, they can’t
digest lactose and
may get diarrhoea.2 Don’t allow multiple
cats to use the same
litterbox as they don’t
like to share.3 Don’t forget annual
vet and dental checks.
They’re important for
good health.Other Common Mistakes