Every holiday season we gather for delicious food, special treats, and quality time with family. We don’t realize that sharing those holiday treats with our pets, even for one little bite, can be a factor in our pets’ weight gain. Maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of your pet’s health, mobility, and quality of life. Families looking for pet weight management in Los Angeles should contact Shiloh Veterinary Hospital to learn how to start building healthier habits for their pets.
Keeping Holiday Pounds Off Your Pet
Pets can gain weight for many of the same reasons people do during the holidays. More food, fewer walks, and family members who cannot resist those cute puppy-dog eyes all create the perfect recipe for unwanted extra holiday pounds.
Even a small amount of extra weight can put additional stress on your pet’s joints and contribute to other health concerns. The goal isn’t to take all the fun out of the holidays. It is to find a healthy balance.
Watch Those Holiday Extras
Treats should be part of your pet’s daily calorie intake, not something added on top of their regular meals. This can be especially tricky when family members are sneaking treats to them under the table.
Watch for:
- Table scraps
- High-calorie foods
- Holiday sweets
- Extra portions
- Treats given by family members
A simple trick is to portion out your pet’s daily treats in advance. Once the little treat container is empty, that’s it, no more treats until the next day.
Build a Healthy Holiday Diet
If your dog is already carrying a few extra pounds, your veterinarian can help determine whether a diet for your overweight dog is appropriate. Cutting food dramatically isn’t the best approach. Your pet needs the right balance of protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients just like humans.
Daily nutrition tips:
- Adjust food portions
- Choose lower-calorie foods
- Measure meals instead of free-feeding
- Select healthier treats
- Increase daily activity
- Monitor their weight
Every pet is different, and each one needs a personalized plan. Age, breed, activity level, current weight, and underlying health conditions should all be considered when creating a nutrition and weight management plan to help your pet live a healthier, longer life.
Healthy Habits Beyond the Holidays
Healthy pet nutrition in San Diego, Los Angeles, or anywhere else is not about putting your pet on a strict diet for only a few weeks. It is about creating daily habits that support their health year-round.
Regular weigh-ins can help you catch gradual weight gain before it becomes a bigger problem. Your veterinary team can also help you determine your pet’s ideal weight and make adjustments as needed.
Don’t forget exercise. A daily walk, a game of fetch, or some extra playtime can help keep your pet moving while giving them quality time with you.
Give Your Pet a Healthier Start
The holidays should be fun for everyone, pets included. With a little planning, you can enjoy the season without letting extra treats turn into extra pounds.
Shiloh Veterinary Hospital offers nutrition counseling and weight management to help pets maintain a healthy weight and enjoy a better quality of life. If your pet could benefit from a personalized nutrition or weight management plan, call Shiloh Veterinary Hospital or schedule an appointment today. A healthier pet is always a gift worth giving.