With winter now well and truly behind us, we can focus on the spring and summer ahead. Just like many humans will be getting their bodies in better seasonal shape, it’s time to take a look at our canine friends’ figures, too. Yes, winter can be a time when many pets put on a few extra pounds, whether it’s as a result of less running around the yard in the colder months (more time indoors), less walks from their owners (we’re all guilty of it!), or even from eating more food. The good news is, weight gain over winter is a perfectly normal thing — it’s losing that weight and getting your pet trim and terrific again that is a challenge!
Just like with humans, weight gain in pets is all about them consuming more energy from their food than they exercise away. Put simply, what goes in must go out — and we’re not just talking about doggy do-do here!
If you’re looking to help your pup lose some weight, here are some useful tips.
1. Consult your veterinarian. Before any massive change in routine and/or diet, PETS recommends speaking to your local vet to make sure your pet is healthy enough to undergo a regime change, and to ensure that there aren’t any special breed- or age-related considerations you should be mindful of (e.g. older dogs are more at risk of joint injury, so exercise that is high impact/involves a lot of jolting on a hard surface should be avoided).
2. Start small; grow big. Analyse your current exercise routine. Are you walking your dog every day? Once a week? Not at all? Wherever you’re at, make a goal of how much you’d like to increase your pet’s activity level — but remember to start small. Don’t go from no exercise at all to walking for an hour every day — you’re much less likely to stick to your new routine if you push yourself too hard too soon. Also, your pet may not be up to it physically! Set a goal that you know you can commit to, and you and Fido (or even your feline friend!) are much more likely to succeed.
3. Analyse your pet’s diet. Diet does play a big part in weight management. Have you changed your pet’s diet in recent months? Is this the cause behind any weight gain? If the food you are feeding your pet is high in fat or perhaps contains too many grains/other products that may unsettle your dog’s stomach, it’s worthwhile consulting your veterinarian to see if you should look at a new option. Remember any changes in diet should be done gradually so as not to upset your pet’s tummy.
4. Mix it up. Sure, walking the dog (or the cat!) is fun — but it can get a little boring when you’re doing it every day. Thank goodness there are many different ways you can exercise your pet. Throw a ball; throw a frisbee; look at agility exercises; take your pet swimming; set up obstacle courses; take your dog to the dog park — the sky is the limit! By integrating all different types of activity, your pooch is bound to lose weight in a way that isn’t tiresome for you or him.
TOP TOOLS
Taking your dog for some extra exercise? Here are some of our top tool picks:
Pet One Retractable Leash Range. Let your dog run to their hearts content with Pet One Retractable Leash Range. Using a retractable belt, this allows for smooth movement for your dog to run freely, and at the same time the inner spring mechanism keeps the belt under slight tension. The lock option also allows for ease in control so you can determine how far your pet can wander ahead. The retractable belt is available in three metres for smaller dogs or five metres for larger dogs for ultimate distance. Available in three colours and four super stylish designer patterns, your pet will be spoilt for choice.
The Pet One Retractable Leash Range is available at all good pet shops. Visit petone.com.au for your nearest stockist.
PetSafe Easy Walk Harness. The PetSafe Easy Walk Harness is designed to gently discourage dogs from pulling while walking on a lead. Unlike traditional collars, the Easy Walk Harness rests low across the breastbone and does not cause coughing, choking or gagging. The harness comes in multiple colours and sizes to suit any dog. For more information, visit PetSafe Australia.
Waldi dog toy. Spring is set to sizzle with the Waldi dog toy, it floats, flies and squeaks and is perfect for all summertime games, no matter where you play.
Available in mini, small and large, choose the best size for your canine friend and let them be a Major Dog today. For more information, visit Major Dog.
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