Keep Your Pets Healthy During the Holidays

The part I love most about Christmas break is we get to enjoy the snow and get outside as a family!  It is the easiest way to keep us all moving and work out those extra cookies we ate during Christmas.  LouLou is never far behind when we're out playing and having fun, that's why we always like to bring along a few treats for her too.

Her new favorites are SPIKE treats by Petcurean.  The treats contain only all-natural ingredients, with zero by-products, added growth hormones, artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.  Did I mention they're grain and gluten free?  The jerky treats are great and the bags are reasable so they're easy to take with you anywhere you go.  The snack bar with chicken meal and sweet potato was a hit as well, she enjoyed it after bounding through the snow with the kids.

Keep Your Pets Healthy During the Holidays

Here are some great tips about keeping your pets healthy during the winter/holidays from Dr. Adolphe:

• Fitness for Fido: An estimated quarter to half of all pets are overweight. Even a modest increase in body weight can significantly shorten a dog’s lifespan. Who needs a friend to keep you honest about workouts when your dog is a perfect workout buddy and needs exercise too? Setting workout goals that include your favorite furry kiddo will give you that extra incentive to get moving.
• Eliminating the Chill: Cold weather can limit a pet’s outdoor time. Regular exercise in the winter months can be a challenge but is critically important for your pet’s well-being. If it’s too cold to get a run-in, throw a ball in the yard, or play hide-and-seek inside to stimulate your dog both physically and mentally.
• Healthy is as Healthy Does: Food (energy in) versus activity (energy out) are the key components in the energy balance equation. Be sure to resist the temptation to give them table scraps and instead find them balanced and nutritious food. And if they need to shed a few pounds now, choose a weight-control food that is lower in calories.
• Avoid Doggy Breath: Don’t underestimate oral care – it can take years off of your pet’s life, impacting everything from breath to heart and kidney function. An easy way to proactively address this is to offer food, treats, and chew toys that promote dental health by inhibiting tartar formation. And ideally, brush their teeth regularly – it will save them pain, and save you a big oral care bill down the road.

About Dr. Jennifer Adolphe

Dr. Jennifer Adolphe graduated with her Ph.D. in companion animal nutrition from the University of Saskatchewan. She previously completed a master's degree in human nutrition and is a registered dietitian with the College of Dietitians of British Columbia. Her Ph.D. research examined the effect of carbohydrates on metabolic and cardiovascular health in lean and obese dogs. Adolphe is the recipient of more than 20 awards and scholarships for her academic work. Her work in the pet food industry has focused on product development and ingredient procurement. She is currently the senior nutritionist at Petcurean Pet Nutrition, a Canadian, family-owned company committed to offering superior quality pet foods.

Most importantly just get out there and have fun!  Even if you're just going for a walk around the block it is better than doing nothing, pets need exercise too.  LouLou can do almost anything we do so include your family pets when you can, she loves chasing the kids down the hill while the toboggan or bouncing through the deep snow.  Just remember to pack plenty of water and food for your pet too!

We love Petcurean and I think you will too!