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Pet Wellness
Is there ever a right time to get a dog? My wife Molly and I have always loved animals and always dreamed of having a dog. We also knew it was a huge responsibility to have another living being depend on us every day.
A Duncan Parent of TJ and Tayto @tjthefrenchie
t the time, we lived in a small flat where a dog simply wasn’t an option. As we began buying our first house, Molly started looking for puppies. It was a little premature, but we visited a litter just to “have a look.” That’s when we met TJ, a perfectly formed six-weekold French Bulldog. We instantly fell in love. After a quick conversation in the car, we put down a deposit and promised ourselves we’d make it work. We stayed with Molly’s parents while our house purchase was completed, and a few weeks later, we brought TJ home to our tiny cottage with its own garden.
More than a pet
TJ brought routine, companionship and endless laughter. Rather than holding us back, he joined us on every adventure — from Cornwall beaches to five-star London hotels, even the Eiffel Tower. We began sharing those
adventures online and have since built a community of over 2 million followers. TJ was there for our engagement and even served as ring bearer at our wedding. After moving into a bigger house, we started wondering if we should get a second dog. We worried about doubling the work, whether another dog would fit into our lives and, most importantly, whether TJ would accept them.
Then, we met Tayto
Just like with TJ, one conversation in the car was all it took. Tayto arrived bursting with confidence and immediately adored TJ. He was cautious at first, but before long, they were inseparable. Watching TJ become an unexpected role model while Tayto filled the house with fresh energy has been incredibly rewarding. Going from no dogs to one changed our lives. Going from one dog to two transformed our home, giving TJ not just a companion, but a best friend to share every adventure with.
Why pet weight matters Nearly 50% of cats in the UK are overweight or obese.1 Yet, on social media, overweight pets are seen as ‘cute’ and quirky for their round appearance.
T
he problem is, the desire for likes and virality often overshadows the serious health risks caused by overfeeding and poor weight management.
Wiktoria Parent of Marmite, Toast and Dumpling @marmiteandtoastie
What are the main causes of pet obesity?
Pet obesity is often the result of overfeeding and a lack of exercise. Indoor, neutered and elderly pets are more prone to weight gain because they often burn less energy.
pounce, bringing out their natural hunting instincts. For mental stimulation, treat puzzles are great. A budget-friendly option is hiding treats in a crumpled blanket; your cat will have to navigate and find the treats as a reward.
Indoor, neutered and elderly pets are more prone to weight gain because they often burn less energy.
How can indoor cats stay active and avoid becoming overweight? Dedicating 30 minutes a day of playtime can help them stay active and enriched. My favourite way of getting my cats to move is with cat wands, especially ones that look like birds. Dragging the wand across the floor or moving it through the air encourages them to run, jump and @Mediaplanet UK & IE
@MediaplanetUKIE
How much should my cat be eating each day?
Every cat’s feeding needs are different. Their breed, age, activity level and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed can all affect portion sizes. Larger breeds and more active cats may need bigger portions, while less active, elderly or smaller cats will need less.
Dumpling, my Ragdoll, is very playful and active, so he eats a larger portion. Marmite, on the other hand, prefers bird-watching and mental stimulation, so his portions are smaller.
How can owners help their pets lose weight safely?
Having set mealtimes has really helped my cats. I feed them three times a day, so they now know exactly when to expect food, which stops them begging. Small changes make a big difference. Gradually reduce portions, avoid leaving food out all day for your cat to graze and swap out processed treats for natural, 100% meat treats. If you feed dry food, ensure it’s portioned out correctly, as it’s easy to overfeed. 1
Berg, S. Obesity In Pets. cvsvets.com/ health/ obesity-in-pets.
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