As the season and schedules change, it’s common for outdoor activities to decrease for us and our pets. This reduction in physical activity can lead to weight gain if we’re not careful about monitoring our pet’s diet and exercise. Weight management is essential to maintaining your pet’s overall health, as extra pounds can contribute to various health problems, including joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease. Here are some things to consider when monitoring your pet’s weight as outdoor activity decreases. Following these tips can help keep your pet fit and guide you to keep them healthy and happy all year round.
Why Pets Gain Weight During Seasonal Changes
When temperatures drop, and daily schedules change, pets tend to spend more time indoors acclimating to the new routine. Naturally, there are fewer walks, play sessions, and outdoor adventures. While some breeds thrive in cooler weather, some may become less inclined to exercise as often or as vigorously. Coupled with the potential for increased food consumption (due to more treats, holiday leftovers, or even seasonal changes in appetite), this can lead to gradual weight gain.
Why Weight Gain Matters
Excess weight can have serious health implications for pets. Overweight pets risk developing conditions such as arthritis, respiratory problems, high blood pressure, and a decreased quality of life. Just a few extra pounds can significantly strain your pet’s body, especially in breeds that are prone to joint issues or other health problems.
Log and Monitor Your Pet’s Weight Regularly
The first step in managing your pet’s weight is regularly monitoring it. This involves observing your pet’s physical changes and occasionally weighing them to track any fluctuations. It’s essential to be proactive about recognizing changes early. Remember, it’s easier to address weight gain before it becomes serious. If you have a small dog or a cat, you can easily weigh them at home using a bathroom scale. For larger dogs, most veterinary clinics have scales available and will allow you to drop in for a quick weigh-in. Keeping a log of their weight will help you notice trends over time and can inform you of the changes you need to make.
Body Condition Scoring (BCS) and Changes in Appearance or Behavior
Veterinarians often use a Body Condition Scoring system, which assesses a pet’s weight based on visual and physical examination. You can use a simplified version at home by feeling your pet’s ribs and observing their waist. Ideally, you should be able to feel their ribs without too much fat covering, and their waist should taper inwards when viewed from above. You can look up instructions and details online or ask your vet for further information. Similar to Body Condition Scoring, observing changes in appearance and behavior can tell you about your pet’s health. If your pet seems slower, tires quickly, or has lost their usual enthusiasm for physical activity, it may be a sign of weight gain. Similarly, if their collar or harness feels tighter than before, it could indicate that they’re gaining weight.
Adjusting Your Pet’s Diet and Portion Control
With less outdoor activity, your pet’s caloric needs may decrease. Adjusting their food intake to match their lower activity levels to prevent weight gain is essential. However, this doesn’t mean depriving your pet of meals—just adjusting portions and being mindful of extra treats. Measure out your pet’s food rather than guessing or “eyeballing” it. Even a slight overestimation can add extra calories to your pet’s diet. Follow the feeding guidelines on your pet’s food packaging, but consult with your vet to determine the best portion size based on your pet’s weight, activity level, and age.
Choose High-Quality Food and Limit Treats and Table Scraps
Ensure you’re feeding your pet a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Look for high-quality pet food with a suitable protein, fat, and fibre balance to support healthy weight management. Treats can add many calories to your pet’s diet without you realizing it. For dogs, try to limit treats or opt for lower-calorie alternatives like vegetables (such as carrots or green beans). Always factor in the treats you give when determining your pet’s daily caloric intake. Lastly, avoid giving your pets table scraps. While it’s tempting to give your pet leftovers, particularly during the holiday season, human food is often high in calories and fats that can lead to weight gain. Stick to your pet’s designated meals and diet.
Encouraging Indoor Activity
Just because the weather is cooler doesn’t mean your pet has to give up exercise altogether. With a bit of creativity, you can keep your pet physically active indoors, ensuring they continue to burn calories and stay fit. You can use interactive toys like puzzle toys and treat dispensers to engage your pet’s mind and body, helping them stay active even in small spaces. These toys encourage movement and mental stimulation, both of which are important for overall health. If you have enough space at home, you can play a good old game of fetch down a hallway or in a large room. Tug-of-war is also another great way to get your dog moving without needing a large outdoor area. If you’re creative, you can create an obstacle course using items from around the house—such as cushions, chairs, or tunnels—to create a fun obstacle course for your pet. This can help burn off energy and provide some mental stimulation as well. Lastly, daily play sessions can make a big difference. For cats, laser pointers, feather toys, or catnip-filled balls can encourage bursts of energy and play. Try to set aside time each day for interactive play to keep them moving.
Consult Your Veterinarian for Guidance
If you need clarification about how much your pet should weigh or how to adjust their diet and exercise, consult your veterinarian. Your vet can provide guidance on managing your pet’s weight and may suggest specific foods, supplements, or exercise routines tailored to your pet’s needs. They can also help identify any underlying health issues that may be contributing to weight gain. Regular check-ups allow your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s weight and overall health. They can catch early signs of obesity or related health issues and work with you to create a weight management plan that ensures your pet stays healthy year-round.
Be Observant and Consult a Professional
Monitoring your pet’s weight as outdoor activity decreases is critical to maintaining their health during the colder months. By adjusting their diet, encouraging indoor exercise, and keeping a close eye on their weight, you can prevent unhealthy weight gain and ensure your pet remains fit, happy, and healthy. Taking proactive steps now will help avoid more serious health issues later and ensure your pet enjoys a long and active life, regardless of season. If you need help giving your pet daily play sessions, be sure to contact Luv My Sitter to schedule some daily visits from our friendly pet professionals!