Keeping your furry friends healthy: 10 heartfelt tips to prevent weight gain in your pets

We all know that being overweight is not healthy! Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for dogs and cats to enjoy a long, active life free from various health complications.

Why do we care so much about weight in physiotherapy? It's simple: there's a direct link between weight and early-onset osteoarthritis in pets. By managing our pets' weight, we can reduce their chances of developing arthritis and alleviate the suffering of those already affected. To learn more, check out our blog on why maintaining body weight is important when it comes to pain and osteoarthritis! 

In this blog post, we'll go through common mistakes owners make that lead to unhealthy weight gain, along with practical solutions to help you prevent it.

Consult the Experts Before Starting a Weight Loss Program

If you believe your dog needs to lose weight, it's crucial to consult with a veterinary team before starting a weight loss program. Sudden weight changes should always be investigated for any underlying diseases. At Paws In Motion, our team can calculate exactly what your pet should be eating and how to reduce calories safely, ensuring they don't lose pounds too quickly or miss out on vital nutrition.

• Why Consult a Vet? A veterinary team can help determine if there are any medical reasons behind your pet's weight gain, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease. They can also create a customized weight loss plan that considers your pet's breed, age, and activity level.
• Safe Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss can be harmful, leading to muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies, and other health issues. A vet-supervised plan ensures your pet loses weight safely, typically aiming for 1-2% body weight loss per week.

1. Reading the Packaging and Measuring Properly

If your dog is currently at a healthy weight, feed them according to their current body weight. Most pet foods have charts on their packaging indicating daily requirements. Be cautious when mixing wet and dry food, as following both charts can double the calories your pet needs. Ensure you're properly calculating the amount of food provided and consider all extras in the bowl.

• Follow Feeding Guidelines: Pet food packaging usually includes feeding charts based on your pet's weight and sometimes age or activity level. Use these as a starting point but adjust as needed based on your pet's condition.
• Accurate Measurement: Invest in a kitchen scale to weigh your pet's food accurately. Measuring cups can vary in size and can lead to inconsistent feeding amounts. Consistency is key to avoiding overfeeding.

2. Understand Your Pet’s Dietary Requirements

Each dog or cat is unique, with varying dietary needs. Two pets may eat the same diet and quantity, yet only one might gain excess weight. Factors such as age, weight, breed, and activity levels significantly impact dietary needs. Neutering, spaying, or aging can change metabolism and energy levels, making pets more susceptible to weight gain if their diet remains the same. Research different brands and consult veterinary professionals to determine the appropriate diet for your pet.

• Age and Life Stage: Puppies and kittens need different nutrients than adult or senior pets. Ensure you're feeding age-appropriate food.
• Breed-Specific Needs: Some breeds are prone to obesity, such as Labradors and Beagles. These breeds may require stricter portion control and more exercise.
• Spaying/Neutering: Pets that are spayed or neutered may have lower energy needs. Adjust their diet to prevent weight gain.

3. Treats Count!

Treats contribute to your pet's daily intake. They're essential for training, rewarding, and bonding but can lead to weight gain if not managed properly.

• Quality Over Quantity: Choose treats made with high-quality, natural ingredients. Avoid those with artificial additives, fillers, or excessive sugar, salt, or preservatives.
• Size Matters: Most pets don't care about the size of the treat. Break treats into smaller pieces to give more rewards with fewer calories.
• Alternative Rewards: Deduct a small amount of your pet's usual dry food and use that for rewards and treats to manage calorie intake.
• Healthy Alternatives: Use vegetables like boiled broccoli, peas, or carrots as treats, and fruits like blueberries in moderation, keeping an eye on sugar content.

4. For Better Control, Try a Piggy Bank

In a large household, it can be challenging to control how much food your pet gets. Establish a treat “piggy bank”—a jar or container filled with a daily allowance of treats or kibble. Anyone who wants to give a treat must take it from the piggy bank. Once it's empty, no more treats until the next day. This method works especially well with kibble, helping track daily calorie intake.

• Establish Rules: Make sure everyone in the household understands the piggy bank system and sticks to it. Consistency is crucial for its success.
• Daily Allowance: Determine the daily treat allowance based on your pet’s calorie needs. This should be a small portion of their overall diet to prevent overfeeding.

5. Still Hungry?

If your pet eats twice a day and continues to beg for food, try giving small, frequent meals throughout the day by dividing their normal meals. Feeding them slower using a lick mat, puzzle, or ball can help them feel fuller. Some satiety pet foods on the market are designed to make pets feel fuller with smaller portions, aiding in weight maintenance.

• Small, Frequent Meals: Dividing their daily food into smaller, more frequent meals can help manage hunger and prevent begging.
• Slow Feeding Tools: Lick mats, puzzle feeders, and slow-feed bowls make mealtime more engaging and slow down eating, helping pets feel full with less food.
• Satiety Diets: Foods designed for satiety have higher fiber content, making pets feel fuller with fewer calories. Consult your vet for recommendations.

6. Increase Physical Activity

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight in pets. Engage your pet in daily physical activities such as walks, playtime, and interactive games. Dogs, in particular, benefit from activities like fetch, agility training, and swimming. For cats, toys that stimulate hunting instincts, climbing structures, and laser pointers can help keep them active.

• Daily Walks: Regular walks help keep dogs fit and mentally stimulated. Adjust the length and intensity based on your dog’s breed, age, and fitness level.
• Interactive Play: Engage in activities that encourage your pet to move. For dogs, fetch and tug-of-war are great options. For cats, laser pointers, feather wands, and climbing trees provide excellent exercise.
• Exercise Caution: Gradually increase the intensity of exercise to prevent injury, especially in pets that are overweight or have joint issues.

7. Monitor and Adjust Diet

Regularly monitor your pet's weight and body condition. Adjust their diet as needed based on their activity level, age, and health status. Use a body condition scoring system to assess whether your pet is at a healthy weight. Your veterinarian can help you determine the ideal weight and make necessary adjustments to their diet.

• Regular Weigh-Ins: Weigh your pet regularly, at least once a month, to track their progress.
• Body Condition Scoring: Learn how to assess your pet’s body condition. This involves feeling their ribs, spine, and waist to determine if they are underweight, ideal, or overweight.
• Diet Adjustments: If your pet is gaining or losing weight, adjust their food intake accordingly. Consult your vet for specific recommendations.

8. Consider Special Diets

For pets prone to weight gain or those already overweight, special diets formulated for weight management can be beneficial. These diets are typically lower in calories and higher in fiber, helping pets feel full while consuming fewer calories. Consult with your veterinarian to find the best weight management diet for your pet.

• Weight Management Formulas: These diets are designed to provide balanced nutrition with fewer calories. They often contain higher fiber to promote satiety.
• Prescription Diets: For pets with significant weight issues, your vet may recommend a prescription diet specifically formulated for weight loss.
• Transition Gradually: When switching diets, do so gradually over a week to avoid gastrointestinal upset.

9. Be Consistent

Consistency is key in managing your pet's weight. Ensure all family members are on the same page regarding feeding and treating your pet. Establish a routine for meals and exercise to help maintain a healthy lifestyle for your pet.

• Unified Approach: Make sure everyone in the household understands and follows the feeding and exercise plan.
• Routine: Stick to a consistent schedule for feeding and exercise. Pets thrive on routine and predictability.

10. Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Engage your pet with puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive play. Mental stimulation can help prevent boredom, which can lead to overeating and weight gain.

• Puzzle Toys: Toys that require problem-solving can keep your pet engaged and mentally active.
• Training Sessions: Incorporate short, daily training sessions to provide mental stimulation and reinforce good behavior.
• Interactive Play: Spend quality time playing with your pet, using toys that challenge their mind and keep them engaged.

You're Not Alone

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. At Paws In Motion, we can help you calculate your pet’s calorie requirements based on their condition, breed, age, and daily exercise. We also help determine the calories in your pet’s kibble, home-prepared foods, veterinary diets, snacks, or treats, recommending quantities based on their dietary needs.

By following these tips and working with veterinary professionals, you can help your pet maintain a healthy weight and enjoy a happier, healthier life.