How to help your pet fight winter weight gain

We all gain weight in the winter, including our pets. How to keep your pet healthy and active during the winter.

Every winter, we start with the best intentions. We plan beautiful snowy hikes and pick out warm pet jackets for afternoon walks. And then, we find ourselves cuddling up with them on the couch every Saturday afternoon to watch Netflix and indulge in junk food.

Walking through slushy mud or dodging hidden ice could be more fun. Even indoor games are less fun when you prefer to be glued to your heating pad.

You’re not the only one who has experienced this. It’s normal for pets and humans to gain a little weight in the winter. There is no need to feel guilty. Focus on the positives of getting your pet in shape, such as happier, healthier years with you.

While it’s OK to hunker down for winter> a little/I> bit, your pet still needs a healthy amount of a href=”https://iandloveandyou.com/blogs/pet-blog/dog-nutrition tips-on wholesome eating for your dog” title=” good nutrition”>good nutrition/a> and a healthy amount of. It’s OK to stay in for the winter and do some rest, but your pet needs to be getting good food and a good amount of physical activity.

There are simple ways to help your pet live a healthier lifestyle, whether you have a cat or an overweight dog.

Enjoy the outdoors in a pleasant way

Winters can be brutal, depending on where you live. Winter can be less pleasant whether you have to deal with unpredictable snowfall, icy rain, or a full-on ice storm. The days are also shorter, and a typical evening stroll around the block can be less enjoyable when it feels like midnight at 5 PM.

To enjoy your time outside, you must learn to work WITH the winter and not against it. Avoid the cold mornings and nights by planning your walks during the daytime when temperatures and the sun are highest. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the dog park during breaks in the snow.

Do not be afraid to cut back on your plans. If your car is covered in snow, you can still enjoy your time outdoors by playing a game of fetch or spending time in the catio.

Make sure that you and your dog are prepared for any outdoor activity. You can help your pet stay warm in the cold by giving them a coat or booties. Keep an eye on the temperature and ensure your pet is not left out in the cold for too long, especially when temperatures are dangerous.

As well as helping you and your dog fight the Winter Blues, being outdoors can also boost serotonin.

Plan Fun Indoor Activities

Exercises that are done outdoors can be a great way to keep your pet fit and healthy. Indoor playtime can be as fun (and practical) as an outdoor romp.

You can enrich your pet’s life with various activities, from classic games like tug-of-war and chase-the-string to puzzles they have to solve. Try out different games and toys to see what your pet enjoys. They’ll soon be asking for more sessions with the snuffle pad. To get you started, here are some of the best enrichment activities we recommend for cats or dogs.

Consider other options for playtime outside of your home. You can also consider other options, such as local doggie daycares, training courses for agility, or similar places that offer enough space for your pup to run around without worrying about the snow.

The Right Amount to Feed

It’s easy to assume that if your pet tends to gain weight, the solution is to serve less food at dinner. After all, fewer calories are equal to weight loss. Well, not quite. Pet nutrition is more complex than just losing weight. The body composition of your pet is also essential. If you feed them less than the recommended amount, they will lose out on essential nutrients and proteins vital for muscle health.

You must ensure that you do not overfeed your pet. Look at the instructions on your pet’s food. Do you serve your pet the recommended serving size? Consider how many treats you give your pet (especially human food!) You can estimate how many treats (especially human food!) you give your pet daily. Vets recommend that treats should only make up 10% of the daily calories for your pet. If it goes above this, you need to reduce it.

Our a href=”https://iandloveandyou.com/blogs/pet-blog/dr-angie_krause” title=” on staff holistic veterinarian”>on-staff holistic veterinarian/a> is a big fan of food formulas that cut calories while still being rich in protein and nutrients, like this a href=”https://iandloveandyou.com/blogs/pet blog/dr_angie_krause” title=” on Our holistic veterinarian loves food formulas with reduced calories, but are still high in nutrients and protein. One such product is this reduced-calorie kibble for indoor cats who spend most of their time inside.

Slow down

When you start a weight loss program, it can be tempting for you to go all out. But that’s not always the best idea. It’s no wonder that most crash diets fail. It would help if you didn’t push yourself too hard on your first gym session. It feels terrible and needs to be more suitable for you. Slow and steady weight loss is the key to a healthy lifestyle, particularly in pets.

If your pet is overweight, you should lose weight gradually each week. This can be as little as 1-2% of the dog’s weight or 0.5-2 % of the cat’s weight. Do the math, and you’ll see that a dog of 100 pounds can lose up to 2 pounds a week. A cat of 20 pounds should lose only 0.2-0.4 lbs per week. If you lose weight too quickly, it can hurt your health. So take it easy.

You don’t want your pet to get injured by exercising too quickly. You and your pet will be too tired to get up from the couch after a walk twice as long as they are used to. Start with consistency and at a pace your pet can handle. Gradually increase the time and intensity to help build their strength and endurance. It’s essential to tailor the power of your exercise to the pet. A high-energy dog will naturally enjoy long, fast runs, while a bit pug with a lot of energy may appreciate a few more laps around the block.