The
temperature is dropping and persistent raindrops are just around the corner.
For many of us that means staying in by the fire or hanging out in the kitchen while we're making a great dinner (for us and our pets hopefully).
Let's not forget that our dogs have been hanging out in the house all day, so raindrops or wind they still need more exercise and stimulation than a five minute potty break in the back yard provides.
Aim for 30-45 minutes a day walking around the neighborhood or spending some time in a local park.
It's good for the mental health, waistline and relationship of both of you.
For many of us that means staying in by the fire or hanging out in the kitchen while we're making a great dinner (for us and our pets hopefully).
Let's not forget that our dogs have been hanging out in the house all day, so raindrops or wind they still need more exercise and stimulation than a five minute potty break in the back yard provides.
Aim for 30-45 minutes a day walking around the neighborhood or spending some time in a local park.
It's good for the mental health, waistline and relationship of both of you.
I know there will be a few days or strings of days where the darkness and the rain
challenge you to get out.
It happens in my house too. Now's a good time to check your pet's shape and determine whether any adjustments need to be made in the portion sizing.
During the winter months I reduce our dogs' food by 5-10% to prevent excess calories and reduced exercise from expanding their waistlines.
It's not much of a reduction, but over the course of these cold months it makes a difference.
(Dogs who live outside actually need more calories in the winter because their metabolism is working harder to keep them warm.)
It happens in my house too. Now's a good time to check your pet's shape and determine whether any adjustments need to be made in the portion sizing.
During the winter months I reduce our dogs' food by 5-10% to prevent excess calories and reduced exercise from expanding their waistlines.
It's not much of a reduction, but over the course of these cold months it makes a difference.
(Dogs who live outside actually need more calories in the winter because their metabolism is working harder to keep them warm.)
The below chart is an excerpt from Feed Your Best
Friend Better that illustrates how a dog's proportions should look.
Ideally you're looking for a slight hourglass figure just behind the ribs and a nice abdominal tuck.
Different breeds have slightly different body shapes so if you have concerns, contact your veterinarian.
Your vet can also tell your pet's ideal target weight and they have that handy scale right inside the entrance so it's worth a trip.
Ideally you're looking for a slight hourglass figure just behind the ribs and a nice abdominal tuck.
Different breeds have slightly different body shapes so if you have concerns, contact your veterinarian.
Your vet can also tell your pet's ideal target weight and they have that handy scale right inside the entrance so it's worth a trip.
