YOUR CARMEL PET CLINIC WANTS YOU TO KNOW ABOUT INTERACTIVE PET FEEDERS

Is your pet bored or overweight?  It is estimated that over 50% of pets in America are overweight or obese.  Many dogs and cats also suffer from emotional and behavioral issues due to their confined coach potato lifestyles.  I see these sorts of behavior problems everyday at our Carmel Pet Clinic which can range from cats urinating outside the litter box to dogs who lick themselves so much they create large sores on their legs.

A fun solution to pet obesity and some behavioral problems can be interactive feeders.  These puzzle feeder foraging devices make your pet work to get their food.  Most of the cats I see at our Carmel Pet Clinic are indoors only these days.  This is better for their physical health but can often leave them wanting in the behavioral department of their hunting instincts.  Many hyperactive dogs would love something to keep them occupied while you are gone during the day.  Providing most of their dry food hidden in these toys forces them to exercise, slows down the rate of eating, provides outlets for hunting and chewing instincts, and best of all they are fun!

Your dog may enjoy a Kong or a Busy Buddy toy.  Some interactive food puzzle toys for cats include:  Slimcat Ball, Cat Amazing Interactive Puzzle Box, Catit Design Senses Treat Maze, Nina Ottoson Cat Treat Maze, Stimulo Cat Feeding Station, or Twist & Treat.  Each dog and cat has their own personality and activity level.  Typically if you introduce this to a young puppy or kitten, they will play with these their whole lives.  Older pets may be less enthusiastic, so introduce them when they are hungry and active (usually in the morning).

Prevention of obesity and behavioral problems is always better than a treatment.  So try some interactive puzzle foraging feeders with you pet so you can avoid a trip to your Carmel Pet Clinic.  To see more information on our Caring Hands Compassionate Hearts, click on this link to your Carmel Pet Clinic.