Optimum tips to keep your pet healthy this flu season

OPTIMUM™ Nutrition - The Super Food for Pets

Winter is now upon us, a time when thousands of Australians are struck down with the cold and flu. Whether it's aching bones, the chills, headaches, or fatigue, the flu can be debilitating.

There are a number of precautions you can take to help prevent the onset of the cold or flu. Building up the immune system is the first step. The immune system is the first line of defence, fighting off the bacteria, germs and viruses that cause colds and flu. Eating plenty of foods that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and overall nutrition can strengthen the immune system.

But, how is your beloved pet's immune system going to handle the inevitable onset of flu season? The OPTIMUM™ range -- the super food for your pet has the answer. OPTIMUM™

products, in association with Waltham, the world's leading authority in pet care and nutrition, is the first to launch Macro-Nutrient Profile (MNP™) for dogs and cats. It has been found in leading edge nutritional studies from Waltham that relative levels Macro-Nutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrates) play a pivotal role in the diets of dogs and cats.

Much like humans, pets have special nutritional needs. The same way broccoli, oysters and kiwi fruit can boost the human immune system by providing vitamin c, iron and zinc, certain nutrients for your pets that have the same effect.

The OPTIMUM™ dry range provides more than just a nutritionally complete and balanced meal; it delivers the specific balance of protein, fat and carbohydrate, in addition to powerful natural antioxidants plus vitamin E & C, to help strengthen the immune system. With a tailored range of functional vitamins and minerals and carefully selected grains, the OPTIMUM™ range enables nutrients in the food to be absorbed slowly into the digestive system, maximising the health benefits for your dog or cat and sustaining energy throughout the day.

As well as feeding your pets OPTIMUM™ products, there are other recommended tips for you and your pet to brave the flu season:

Always provide your pet with clean, fresh water

Keep your pet's sleeping area clean and hygienic

Keep warm! Indoor pets should be provided with a warm, dry area free from drafts. Provide bedding off cold floors. Outdoor pets should have dry shelter out of the wind, that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. Bring cats and dogs into the house if the weather conditions are rainy, snowy or severe. Aged indoor cats and dogs often need additional cover and insulated beds where drafts are common and floors are cold

Cats and kittens like to nap on warm places this can include car engines! Knock on the hood of your car or truck or honk the horn, then wait a few minutes before starting the engine. If in doubt, open the hood and look

Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks

Be active! Both you and your pet will benefit from regular walks.