Staying Healthy During the Holidays with Your Dog

It is common for people to pack on “winter weight” during the holiday season.    Therefore, you should work with your dog to ensure good health over the next few months.  It is especially important to be wary of our four-legged friends because even small changes in weight have large impacts on them.  Below are some tips on keeping you and your dog healthier throughout the holidays.

Consistent Mealtimes – If you change up mealtimes often, your metabolism will have a hard time adapting to the changes.  Try to always have your meals and serve your dog their meals at the same time each day.

Limited Snacks – If you are craving a yummy snack that may not be the healthiest, go for it!  The more you limit yourself, the more you will end up craving it in the long run.  Do not go cold turkey on treats during the holiday season.  Instead, watch your portions and limit the number of times that you and your four-legged friend indulge.

Account for Travel and Time Differences – Traveling can be stressful to humans and dogs alike!  Make sure that you keep mealtimes as regular as possible, do not forget to eat or feed your dog, or gorge yourself with fast-food along the way.  Sometimes it may be the easiest and most convenient thing to do but planning healthy snacks for you and your dog will pay off in the end.

Holidays are meant to be fun!  Being surrounded by your favorite family members and friends will provide many memories.  As we mentioned earlier, do not limit yourself and your dog over the holidays.  Place higher focus on portion control and stay active.  Make these holidays the best moments of your life!