With over half of all UK adults sharing their homes with a pet, ensuring the health and happiness of our canine and feline companions has never been more important. According to the veterinary charity PDSA, 28% of Britons own a dog, while 24% have a cat. To help navigate the complexities of pet ownership, a panel of leading UK veterinarians has shared their essential advice for optimal pet welfare.
Foundations of Good Pet Health
Thorough research is the critical first step before bringing a new pet home, advises Rory Cowlam, a vet at Pickles practice in Fulham, London. He strongly recommends building knowledge through reputable sources, including veterinary professionals, trainers, and experienced pet owners. Cowlam also emphasises the importance of sourcing your pet responsibly, suggesting adoption from animal charities as the preferred option. For those considering breeders, he insists on personal recommendations and thorough background checks.
Nutrition and Dietary Management
When it comes to feeding, Cowlam suggests that premium price doesn't always equal premium quality. He advises carefully examining ingredient lists on pet food packaging, treating the contents with the same scrutiny you would apply to your own food. Jo Lewis, a feline vet from Berkshire and author of What's My Cat Thinking?, highlights the importance of checking labels for 'complete and balanced' designations, warning that 'complementary' foods lack essential vitamins and minerals that could lead to deficiencies if fed exclusively.
Portion control presents a significant challenge for many owners. Vet Cat Henstridge, who runs a practice in Dronfield near Sheffield, reveals that studies show being overweight can shorten a dog's life by up to two years. She explains that excess weight predisposes cats to diabetes and complicates conditions like heart disease in both species. For dogs bred for activity, carrying extra weight makes movement more difficult. Henstridge recommends consulting your vet if concerned about your pet's weight, as practice scales are always available for checks.
Lewis advocates for puzzle feeders as a solution to rapid eating, noting they transform mealtime into a stimulating activity rather than simply inhaling biscuits from a bowl. While treats serve as valuable training tools for food-oriented animals, all vets agree they should be given in moderation. Henstridge suggests calculating your pet's daily calorie requirements and balancing treats against their regular meals, using toys and attention as alternative rewards.
For owners considering fresh food additions, Cowlam recommends keeping these to no more than 50% of the diet, with the remainder being complete, balanced commercial food. Beneficial additions include vegetables and plain, lean proteins. He strongly discourages homemade diets, warning they risk nutritional deficiencies due to improper balancing.
Knowledge of toxic foods proves essential for pet safety. Cowlam identifies grapes, raisins, chocolate, and the sweetener xylitol as significant dangers for both cats and dogs. Onions, leeks, and garlic present greater risks for cats but remain harmful to both species, with toxicity being dose-dependent. He notes that holiday periods like Christmas and Easter see increased poison-related vet visits due to greater availability of hazardous foods like raisins.
Healthcare and Behavioural Wellbeing
Dental health represents one of the top welfare concerns in pets, according to veterinary professionals. Cowlam observes that few animals reach double figures without requiring some form of dental treatment. Establishing a brushing routine from the earliest opportunity proves crucial for acclimatising pets to the process. Henstridge acknowledges that while teaching older animals is possible, it requires significant skill, particularly when handling brushes and toothpaste near their faces.
She recommends finger brushes as a less intimidating alternative to traditional brushes. If bad breath becomes noticeable, it may indicate underlying pain, making professional dental assessment essential. After necessary treatment, maintenance can begin from a clean slate using various products like dental biscuits, chews, or powders if brushing proves impossible.
Exercise requirements differ between species. For dogs, Henstridge suggests that quality often outweighs quantity. While most dogs benefit from approximately an hour of daily activity, off-lead exploration provides crucial mental stimulation through sniffing, potentially leading to better rest afterwards. She issues a passionate warning against ball flingers, describing them as potentially damaging to joints and capable of triggering addictive behaviours due to the adrenaline rush they provide.
For cats, Cowlam identifies exercise as potentially more challenging, particularly for indoor felines. Dedicated play sessions mimic the walking routine essential for dogs. Lewis recommends outdoor access where safely possible, but for indoor cats, suggests providing environmental enrichment through cat trees, multi-level structures, and grip-surfaced shelves.
Separation anxiety presents another common challenge. Cowlam advises establishing independence from day one through gradual training, starting with brief ten-minute absences and building duration slowly. The RSPCA recommends four hours as the maximum time to leave a dog alone, though Cowlam suggests this should remain an exception rather than a regular occurrence.
During firework seasons, drum'n'bass music might offer unexpected relief for noise-sensitive pets. Henstridge explains that its rhythmic patterns can help mask disturbing bangs. She recommends ensuring cats are safely confined indoors with locked cat flaps, while dogs benefit from pre-firework exercise, early feeding, and distraction with chew toys that facilitate anxiety-reducing licking behaviour.
Grooming needs vary by species and breed. Most dogs require bathing only when they've rolled in something unpleasant, unless they have specific skin conditions requiring medicated baths. For cats, Lewis recommends introducing grooming early using gentle, silicone hand-shaped brushes that feel more like massage than traditional bristled tools. Removing loosened hair with damp hands or rubber gloves helps prevent hairballs.
Preparedness for minor injuries proves valuable for pet owners. Cowlam suggests keeping a basic pet first aid kit containing pet-safe antiseptic spray and bandaging materials. For minor cuts or limping, he recommends monitoring for 24 hours if the pet otherwise seems well, as many issues resolve with rest. Remote veterinary services provide additional support for concerned owners. Henstridge cautions that animals often hide pain effectively, sometimes manifesting only as slight behavioural changes.
Regular veterinary checkups form the cornerstone of preventive care. Henstridge emphasises the value of professional health assessments during annual vaccination appointments. Cowlam recommends annual checks for generally healthy pets, encouraging owners to arrive with prepared questions to maximise the consultation's value. For outdoor cats, Lewis stresses the importance of proper parasite protection based on individual risk assessments discussed with your vet.
Above all, the vets agree that love and appropriate attention remain fundamental to pet wellbeing. Lewis reminds owners that cats particularly benefit from interaction on their own terms, while Cowlam reflects that providing affection represents both the greatest joy of pet ownership and an essential component of their care.
