Amidst snowstorms and indulging in calorie-rich holiday treats, it's not just us humans who tend to gain a few extra pounds during winter—our furry companions can be affected too! To ensure your pet stays healthy and active throughout the winter season, here are some valuable tips to follow.
Excess weight or obesity in pets can pose various health risks, ranging from joint pain to severe diseases. While it's understandable to cozy up during winter, it's essential to ensure your pet receives proper nutrition and an adequate amount of exercise to maintain their well-being.
Whether you have a cat or dog that is already overweight or you simply want to keep your typically sedentary pet active during the winter, there are simple adjustments you can make to promote a healthier lifestyle for your beloved companion.
If you find yourself relating to this situation, know that you are not alone. It's quite common for both pets and people to experience some weight gain during the winter season, and there's no need to feel guilty about it. Instead, let's shift our focus towards the positive outcomes of helping our pets get back in shape: they can enjoy more healthy and joyful years together with you!
1. Find Pleasant Ways to Be Outside
Depending on the region you reside in, winters can be harsh. Dealing with cold rain, unpredictable snow, or even ice storms can make the outdoors feel unwelcoming during the winter months. Additionally, the shorter days can dampen the enjoyment of evening walks when 5 PM feels like midnight!
To make the most of your time outside, it's important to adapt to the winter conditions rather than resist them. Schedule your walks for the middle of the day when the sun is highest, and temperatures are relatively warmer. Avoid the chilly mornings and evenings. Stay flexible and seize the opportunities to visit the dog park when there are breaks between snow squalls.
Don't hesitate to scale back your plans if needed. If your car is snowed in, don't give up on outdoor activities altogether. Instead, opt for a game of snowball fetch in your backyard or spend some quality time with your pet in the catio.
Regardless of where you decide to go, it's crucial to ensure that you and your furry companion are well-prepared for the outdoors. Your pet may require a jacket or booties to stay comfortable in the cold weather for an extended period. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast and avoid leaving your pets outside for too long, particularly when the temperature drops dangerously low.
Apart from promoting physical activity, spending time outdoors can increase serotonin levels and help combat winter blues for both you and your pet.
2. Plan Fun Indoor Activities
Engaging in outdoor activities is not the sole means of exercising your pet's body and mind. Indoor playtime and activities can be equally fulfilling, keeping them entertained while also helping them build muscle mass.
There is a wide range of pet enrichment activities available, from timeless games like tug-of-war and chase-the-string to puzzles designed for your pets to solve! Explore various games and toys to discover what truly captivates your pet's interest, and soon enough, they'll be eagerly requesting another session with their beloved snuffle mat. To kick-start your journey, here are some of our favorite enrichment activities for cats and dogs!
Expanding your playtime options beyond your home is another great idea! Explore nearby doggy daycares, agility training courses, and similar facilities to discover suitable locations that offer ample space for your dog to burn off energy without venturing into the snowy outdoors.
By taking advantage of these resources, your furry friend can enjoy a lively session of zoomies and engage in activities that keep them active and entertained, all while staying warm and comfortable
3. Feed the Right Amount of Food
If your pet has gained some extra weight, it may be tempting to simply reduce their food portion to cut back on calories for weight loss. However, pet nutrition is more complex than just calorie reduction. Body composition plays a significant role, and reducing food intake below the recommended level can result in a loss of essential nutrients, including crucial protein for muscle health.
While it's important not to overfeed your pet, it's equally essential to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. Take a closer look at the feeding guidelines provided by your pet food manufacturer. Are you serving the recommended portion size for your pet? Consider the number of treats, especially human food, that you offer throughout the day. Veterinarians suggest that treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet's daily calorie intake. If the treat consumption exceeds this limit, it's time to scale back.
4. Take Things Slowly
When embarking on a weight loss journey, it's common to feel tempted to go all out, but that approach often doesn't yield the best results. Crash diets tend to fail, just as pushing yourself too hard on your first day at the gym feels uncomfortable and isn't beneficial for your body. Healthy weight loss, especially for pets, is all about gradual and steady progress.
Overweight pets should aim to lose a small amount of weight per week, typically around 1-2% of a dog's body weight or 0.5-2% of a cat's body weight. To put it into perspective, a 100-pound dog can safely lose 1 to 2 pounds per week, while a 20-pound cat should only aim to lose around 0.2-0.4 pounds per week (equivalent to just 4 ounces). Rapid weight loss can actually be harmful to their health, so it's important to take things slowly and steadily.
Likewise, it's essential to ease into exercise gradually as well. A walk that is twice as long as what your pet is accustomed to may leave both of you too sore to be active the following day. It's important to listen to your pet's cues and avoid pushing them too hard too soon.
5. Get Active With Your Pet
Based on our experience, the most effective way to get your pet excited about moving and being active is by actively participating with them. Just like humans, pets often find challenging activities more enjoyable when they have a companion. Your presence and involvement provide invaluable moral support that no one else can offer. While purchasing puzzle toys and automated laser pointers can be helpful, actively engaging with your pet is what truly makes the activity enticing and rewarding for both of you. This not only contributes to their physical health but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry companion.
Remember, you and your pet are a team, and finding a balance between cozy couch cuddle sessions and energetic playtimes will keep your pet fit, healthy, and happy when spring arrives.