Many people understand the basic idea that we need body fat to survive, and that it helps keep our bodies warm during colder weather. Therefore, it’s not unreasonable to assume that it’s a good idea to put some extra pounds on our dogs during winter.
But with the obesity epidemic among our pets today, is it really a good idea to add that extra weight?
The short answer is: no. As stated above, an overwhelming number of dogs are overweight as is, and simply do not need any weight added. In fact, it’s probably better to take some off! But even if your pup is a little on the thin side or at a healthy weight, there’s no reason to put on pounds for the sole purpose of keeping warm during winter. When it’s cold outside, the activity level of our pets usually drops anyway. It’s cold outside, and many of us shorten our walks or even skip certain days altogether. This is already going to slow down your pet’s metabolism and cause weight gain. Therefore, there’s no reason to increase your pet’s food intake or try to fatten him up more.
Weight gain comes with far more risks than benefits. A healthy dog with a healthy body weight and coat should be able to keep warm in colder weather without any additional weight gain. When the body is healthy and working as it should, it will actually be more efficient at maintaing body temperature than an overweight dog. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will keep the rest of his body healthy. Obesity, even if it means being just a few pounds overweight, can greatly decrease your dog’s quality of life. Too much body fat results in difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, liver dysfunction, diabetes, lameness, lowered immune systems and an increased risk of cancer. With so many other options to keeping your pet warm, adding more body fat shouldn’t be the answer.
So what other options are there? Well, when inside it’s always a good idea to give your pup some extra blankets and make sure he’s got a comfortable and warm place to sleep and relax. If your dogs are housed outside in kennels, it’s a great idea to get a heater installed to keep them warm, which is easier to do with indoor-outdoor kennels than only outdoor. If possible, let your dogs stay inside during the coldest months. There are also a lot of sweaters and jackets out there for dogs. While it may seem silly and something only celebrity pooches wear, there are companies that make very functional jackets and overcoats that will keep your pet both warm and dry during even the worst weather. Whatever you choose, make sure to exercise caution when keeping your pet warm to reduce the risk of overheating. Keep feeding your pup his regular food, try to give him as much exercise as usually, and make sure he’s got plenty of goodies to keep him warm without the extra body fat.
About the Author
Katie is a professional dog trainer located in Southern California, with a background of experience as a veterinary assistant as well. She has trained and competed with multiple breeds in AKC Obedience and Rally, agility, herding, Schutzhund/IPO, French Ring and conformation. She has been involved in dogs since she was a child, and specializes in protection dogs, working dogs, and aggression issues. You can visit her website, Katie’s Dog Training, to find out more information about her training and accomplishments. When she’s not helping others and writing, she’s out on the field with her Belgian Malinois and Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Toledo, United States.
