In the winter, between snowstorms and calorie-rich holiday treats, it’s easy to put on a few extra pounds, including your pets. Here’s how to keep your pet healthy and active all winter long.
Every winter we plan a beautiful snow hike and start off with the best planning by choosing a comfy pet jacket to wear on our afternoon walks.after that somehow We end up cuddling up on the couch with them every Saturday afternoon and indulging in junk food and a Netflix marathon.
I understand that. Daily walks in slippery mud and dodging hidden ice is no fun. Even playing indoors doesn’t feel very appealing if it’s better to be stuck to a heating pad (if you can get your pet off the pad).
If you think so too, you are not alone. It’s perfectly normal for pets and humans to gain a little weight in the winter, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about it. Instead, focus on the benefits of keeping your pet in shape: healthier, happier lives.
Being overweight or obese can put your pet at risk of developing a whole range of health problems, from joint pain to life-threatening illnesses. It’s nice to crouch down for the winter, a bit Bit, your pet still needs to get good nutrition and a healthy amount of exercise to keep them feeling good.
Whether you already have an overweight cat or dog, or want to keep your couch potato active all winter, there are easy ways to make healthy lifestyle adjustments for your best friend.
Winters can be harsh depending on the climate where you live. brutal. Whether you’re battling cold rain, unpredictable snow, or all-out ice storms, the outdoors feel a little less peaceful during winter. Plus, when the days get shorter and 5pm feels like midnight, your usual evening walk around the neighborhood becomes less enjoyable.
The key to enjoying time outdoors is working and Instead of fighting the winter! Plan your walk during the daytime hours when the sun is at its highest and temperatures are at its highest, avoiding the frigid mornings and evenings. Be as flexible as possible and take advantage of opportunities to visit dog parks between squalls.
Don’t be afraid to scale back your plans. Instead of abandoning your outdoor time altogether when your car is covered in snow, play a game of snowballs in your backyard or hang out on your terrace.
Make sure you and your pet are ready for the outdoors wherever you go.Your pet may benefit too Jacket You can also wear boots to stay comfortable for long periods of time in the cold. Always keep an eye on the weather and do not leave your pet outside in the cold for long periods of time, especially in cold weather. dangerously low.
Physical activity is important in reducing your pet’s excess weight, but it also has the added bonus of being outdoors increases serotonin, helping you and your pet fight stress. winter blues!
Outdoor activities aren’t the only way to train your pet’s body and mind. Indoor play and activities keep kids entertained (and building muscle mass). These are just as rewarding as the energetic rampage outside.
Pet-enriching activities range from classic games of tug-of-war and chasing a string to puzzles your pet can solve. Experiment to find games and toys that really tickle your pet’s fantasies. Your pet will soon want to use the snoozing mat again. Here are some of our favorite strengthening activities. Cat and dog to get started!
You can also consider options for playing outside the home. Investigate your local dog daycare, agility training courses, and similar facilities for places with enough room to take Zoomy out without your dog stepping into the snow.
If your pet is getting a little overweight, it’s easy to think that the only solution is to eat less at dinner. Reducing calories is the same as losing weight, right? Well, not quite. Pet nutrition is complex and involves more than just losing weight. Body composition is equally important, and if you start feeding your pet less than the recommended amount, they will also lose protein and other important nutrients for muscle health.
That being said, you should do it Be careful not to overfeed your pet. Look closely at the feeding guidelines for your current pet food. Are you feeding your pet the recommended portion sizes? Consider how many treats (especially human food) you give your pet per day. Veterinarians say that about 10% of your pet’s daily calories from treats is fine, but if it’s slowly surpassing that, it’s time to cut back.
If you’ve followed all guidelines and your pet still weighs above a healthy weight, consult your veterinarian. safely Limit calories.our Holistic Veterinarian Resident I’m a huge fan of food formulations that cut calories while still being high in protein and nutrients, such as: reduced calorie kibble Designed to help sedentary indoor cats lose weight.
When embarking on a new weight loss journey, it may be tempting to tackle massive weight loss, but it usually doesn’t give the best results. There’s a reason crash diets fail, and there’s a reason you shouldn’t push yourself too hard on your first day at the gym. It doesn’t feel good and it’s not good for you. Healthy weight loss should be slow and steady. especially The same applies to pets.
Overweight pets should lose a small amount of weight each week (approximately 1-2% of body weight for dogs and 0.5-2% of body weight for cats). Do the math, a 100-pound dog can safely lose 1-2 pounds per week, while a 20-pound cat can only lose 0.2-0.4 pounds (or only 4 ounces) per week. It means you can’t lose.Losing weight any faster can actually harm Take care of their health and take it easy.
Likewise, you don’t want to exercise too hard or too fast. Walk her twice as far as your pet is used to, and you’ll probably both be stuck on the couch the next day.Let’s start with exercise consistently At a level your pet is comfortable with, slowly increase the time and intensity in small increments to build strength and endurance. You also have to deal with the intensity of your pet. High-energy herding dogs are naturally good at long, fast runs, but a little snorting pug deserves its Venus in its daily routine of circling an extra block.
For advice on how to slowly build up your pet’s strength safely, see our tips on how to take you and your dog from the couch to 5K together.
In our experience, the best way to get your pet excited and active is to participate in the process with them. No one likes doing difficult things alone. You can provide your pet with emotional support like no other in the world. Buying a puzzle toy or an automatic laser pointer is great, but getting involved with your pet can be the most engaging and rewarding activity for your pet. and You help build your relationship with their health.
You and your pet are supportive of each other, and finding a balance between cuddling sessions on the couch and active playtime will keep your pet trim, healthy, and fit. Happy When spring comes around!