Dog on a diet: How to deal with your canine’s seasonal weight gain

American Kennel Club

Wintertime holidays and the tasty snacks that came with them can lead to seasonal weight gain for not only humans, but their dogs too. The cold weather can make it difficult to go on walks and get the regular exercise that dogs regularly require. Be wary — a few extra pounds can really affect your dog’s health.

The American Kennel Club Canine Partners Program offers these tips to help prevent seasonal weight gain in your dog.

Healthy weight

Weigh your dog before winter sets in so you can see what his healthy weight is and monitor it throughout the season. If your dog is below or above their healthy weight, consult with your veterinarian regarding the range your pet should ideally be in.

Calorie counting

Big holiday meals are exciting for everyone, but too many of them can quickly pack on pounds.

<p>If you still want to give your dog extra treats during the winter, try crunchy vegetables like baby carrots instead of calorie-heavy dog treats.</p>

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If you still want to give your dog extra treats during the winter, try crunchy vegetables like baby carrots instead of calorie-heavy dog treats.

Look at how much you regularly feed your dog; try cutting down portions by a quarter cup to help maintain your dog’s weight. If they’re still hungry, replacing the missing food with something like canned string beans can help. After about two weeks, you should be able to resume your normal feeding routine.

Too many treats

It can be easy to give your pet a few more treats here and there when you’re celebrating or relaxing at home in the winter, but treats can be packed with calories that lead to weight gain ­— especially if your dog isn’t getting the same amount of regular exercise. If you still want to give your dog extra treats during the winter, try the dog-safe fruits and vegetables in the list below, instead of calorie-heavy dog treats.

  • Carrots, ¼ cup slices, 14 calories
  • Asparagus, 3 spears, 10 calories
  • Blueberries, 12 berries, 10 calories
  • Watermelon, 6 melon balls, 23 calories
  • Strawberries, 1 large berry, 6 calories
  • Peaches, ½ medium peach, 30 calories
  • Zucchini, 1 cup chopped, 20 calories
  • Green bell peppers, ¼ cup chopped, 7 calories
  • Celery, 1 stalk, 7 calories
  • Cucumber, ½ cup slices, 8 calories
  • Broccoli, ¼ cup chopped, 7 calories
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