New Year’s Resolutions for our Pets

The arrival of the New Year brings the inevitable resolutions: lose weight, save money, spend more time with the family. We’re all familiar with the promises we make to improve ourselves in the coming year. As you make this ironclad list have you wondered what resolutions your pet may be thinking of? The start of a new year can signal a fresh start for pets needing a change in their routine. For example, with over 50 percent of pets in the U.S. classified as overweight, there’s no better time for owners to commit to a new diet and exercise regimen for their pets.

Weight loss is a difficult thing for anyone, human or pet. However, just like in humans, being overweight can take years from your longevity and can cause serious medical conditions. Maintaining a good weight for your pet can be done but requires a commitment to a great weight loss program. Before starting a weight program for your pet you should always consult with your veterinarian. There are multiple factors that could explain the weight gain. Always have your vet rule out some common diseases and disorders. Too many pets start on a diet and fail to lose weight simply because the diet was not the problem. Your veterinarian will perform diagnostics to rule out any medical issues that may be disrupting your weight loss program. Some common disorders associated with excess weight may include:

• Heart Disease
• Osteoarthritis/Degenerative Joint Disease
• Hypertension
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease)
• Kidney Disease
• Breathing Problems
• Some Cancers
• Skin Conditions

Your veterinarian will also assist you on what your pet’s ideal weight is based on breed, age, and size. A safe weight loss program is 3-5% body weight loss per month. Veterinarians do have access to prescription diets that specialize in overweight management. Be sure to always gradually transition to the new diet, to prevent digestion issues.

Many owners “eyeball” their pet’s daily intake and pour that into a bowl, usually resulting in overfeeding and weight gain. It’s important to use an 8-ounce measuring cup to ensure your pet isn’t taking in more calories than they need. The recommended feeding guidelines on the bag are a good place to start to figure out how much food Fido (or Kitty) really needs. Older pets and those who have been neutered usually have lower energy needs than young, intact animals. Having a strict feeding schedule is important. Separate daily amount into small frequent meals. If more than one person feeds the pets, ensure everybody knows the correct amount and have a simple schedule to avoid overfeeding. If there are multiple pets in the household, try to feed pets separately and do not leave food out, as you won’t have control over who eats it. Treats are nothing but extra calories and can really harm your pets strict diet. Research treats to find the healthiest option for your pet. You can feed your dogs carrots, green beans or green peas as a healthy low-calorie snack. Fight the urge to feed table scraps. Scrapes are also not nutritional for your pets and can cause digestive problems and other ailments. Keep a written log of food intake (including all treats), exercise, and weekly weight. Weigh your dog weekly on the same scale at the same time of day. Weigh your dog at least every 1 to 2 weeks. Using the recommended guidelines, overweight or obese dogs should lose about 1% to 2% of their body weight each week. If your dog is not losing weight, the daily calories may need to be restricted further. Also, make sure no one in the house is cheating by giving extra food or treats.

Growing pets have very specific nutrient requirements to ensure their bodies grow healthy and strong. For example, some senior pets may have lower energy requirements, but have other medical issues like degenerative joint disease that may be helped with the appropriate diet. Choosing a diet specifically tailored to your pet’s life stage is a great way to keep them in optimal health.

From yoga to hiking, jogging to kayaking, it’s easier than ever for people to incorporate their pet into a new exercise routine. It’s a great way to bond, it’ll get you both out of the house, and both owner and pet will reap the rewards of a healthy physical activity. Meet-up groups are a great way to find like-minded pet owners to join you in your exercise, too! A very important key to weight loss is exercise. It is important to choose activities appropriate for your dog and does not overdo it. Start slow and work up to higher activity levels. Rest if you notice signs of fatigue, like heavy panting. In general, leash walking for 20-60 minutes a day, five days a week would be a great way to start. Swimming is also an excellent activity for obese dogs since it places less stress on joints. Exercise is a great way to give your dog attention and can be a substitute for treats. Exercise will help your dog build muscle, and increase mental stimulation, taking his focus away from food. Use toys, balls or sticks to encourage movement to chase or fetch. Increase the intensity and length of your daily walk. Use laser pointers to increase activity for overweight cats. By developing an exercise routine, you will improve your pet’s metabolism and overall health.

Cats love the thrill of chasing a laser toy; just don’t tell them it’s exercise! Toys that trigger a cat’s predatory instinct are a great way to get them off the couch and engaged in a little aerobic activity. Experiment to see what really gets your cat going — in addition to lasers, catnip toys, crinkly balls, and climbable cat trees are perennial feline favorites. Even a cardboard box can become a cat cave that satisfies a cat’s desire for a hiding place.

The secret to weight loss is a dedicated and committed family and a veterinary team that will help you achieve a healthy body condition that will ensure your pets long happy life. Once you reach your pet’s ideal weight, talk with your veterinarian to adjust your pets feeding amount to ensure your pet stays at a balanced weight and doesn’t regain it. Remember, exercise needs to continue after the weight is lost or it will start to pack on again. Enjoy the longer life you will be able to have with your happier, healthier friend and a wonderful start to the New Year!