Winter is an easy season for pets to put on weight. Walks get shorter, cats curl up indoors, and treats tend to creep up. The gain is gradual, which is exactly why it often goes unnoticed until it starts affecting your pet's health.

Why even a little extra weight matters:

• Extra load on the joints, which can worsen stiffness and arthritis
• Higher risk of diabetes, heart problems and other conditions
• Less energy and stamina for everyday activity
• A shorter, less comfortable life in the long run

Signs your pet may be carrying too much:

• You can no longer easily feel their ribs
• Loss of a visible waist when viewed from above
• Tiring quickly, or reluctance to move and play

How to keep winter weight in check:

• Keep up daily activity, even shorter indoor play sessions count
• Measure meals rather than guessing, and follow feeding guides
• Swap fatty treats for lower calorie options like carrot or green beans
• Use food puzzles to slow eating and add mental stimulation
• Weigh your pet, or have them weighed, so you can track changes

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Small adjustments now make a real difference and set your pet up for a healthier, more active spring.

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Not sure whether your pet is a healthy weight? We can do a quick body condition check and help you put together a simple plan suited to your pet.