Winter Weight Loss

The days are longer, the skies are sunnier, and the walking trails are more inviting. Warmth has finally arrived in a more consistent fashion and more humans can be seen taking their furry friends on walks and runs throughout the city. Accompanied with the sunshine is a strong desire to get our diets and exercise regimes on back on track. But what about our furry friends? Have they packed on the pounds too? A few extra table scraps combined with shorter winter walks, and our feline and canine companions can pack on some winter blubber fast. Despite our loving denial that they just are “fluffier," more “muscular” or big boned, our pet's weight is an important number to keep track of.                            

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Overweight animals are at a greater risk for joint problems, diabetes, breathing problems, heat intolerance, and an overall shorter life span. In 2013 it was estimated that an astounding 52.6% of dogs in the United States were overweight or obese. So while we strive to get into our “summer skinny” it is important to ensure that our pets also see a healthy number on the scale. Here are some steps we can take to keep our pets lean, mean, happy machines:

           -Decrease the amount food: Of course this is easier said than done. Like humans, each pet may have a different metabolism and thus require more or less food to stay a healthy weight, regardless of size. If you’re like me, you might feel guilty over the small amount of food you’re serving your furry friend. A good trick for dogs is to add some green beans (straight from the can) on top of their food. Green beans are filling and give the pups more to munch, which is mentally satisfying for both dog and owner.

            - Change the food your pet is getting: Different brands of food have varying protein and carbohydrate contents, as well as different nutritional values. Perhaps your pet needs a food with more protein and less carbohydrates. For cats, this can mean a simple switch from dry to wet food as wet food is higher in protein. However, if cost is also a factor, you can replace one meal of dry food with wet food instead. Unfortunately, changing your dog’s food can be a bit more complicated. Like many pet owners these days, I have gone through three different brands before finding the right one for my fur babies. Choosing the best food for your pup depends on their own individual needs, size, breed, energy level, and allergies. Read food labels thoroughly and ask your vet for their suggestions.

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- Increase their activity: Of course, this is easier said than done. If you have an active pet, simply increasing walks or playtime may do the trick. However, if you are short on time or your pet prefers the couch to the walking trail you might have to get creative. You can:

                          -   Hire a dog walker like all of  us at All Breed Care.

  -   Take your pup on an outdoor adventure. Try a  park, a coffee shop, or a walk Downtown.

-     If your pup is friendly with both humans and dogs, try an off –the-leash dog park, great socialization for both human and pup.

-         For those lazy dogs and cats out there some treat motivation may be required. Try and coax them to get active by luring them with a tiny treat from one side of the house to another. If they like healthy treats like carrots or vegetables even better!

-        Cats can be motivated to move with an adventurous laser pointer or some cat-nip. Lure them around the house with a piece of string or mouse toy. Or, get really daring and try out this interesting cat toy: 

Find something that works for your pet and stick to it.  Before you know it, you will both be in a habit of creating a healthier happier lifestyle. However, make sure you know your pet’s limits. Start slow and work your way up to avoid injuries and heat exhaustion. And remember, just like you, pets are happier when both their bodies and minds are nourished. We know our pets love food, but sometimes holding back the treats or decreasing their meal size is the best thing we can do to truly show them our love. A healthy pet is a happy pet, and one that will stay around for years to come.

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By: Chelsey Dyer