Just like humans, pets experience physical and behavioral changes throughout the year. From increased appetite in the winter to reduced activity during summer heat, seasonal changes can influence your pet’s metabolism, energy levels, and overall health. Maintaining a consistent weight and balanced wellness routine is essential for their longevity and comfort — and each season brings new considerations.
In this guide, we’ll explore how different times of year affect your pet’s body and habits, and how to adjust your care accordingly.
Spring: Reset and Re-Energize
Spring is a time of renewal and energy — but it also comes with allergens and increased outdoor activity, which can impact your pet’s weight and health.
Increased Activity, Increased Calories
As the weather warms up, pets often become more active. This is the perfect time to resume regular walks, playtime, or backyard adventures.
- Adjust portions mindfully: If your pet has been less active during the winter, don’t increase their food too early. Monitor their activity and only raise their portions if they’re burning more energy.
- Watch for allergens: Springtime allergens like pollen, grass, and mold can trigger skin irritations or respiratory issues in pets. These discomforts can reduce activity levels, which in turn may affect weight.
Shedding and Coat Health
Spring shedding requires increased grooming to remove excess fur and prevent overheating. A healthy coat also depends on internal wellness.
- Omega-rich diets help maintain shiny coats and reduce excessive shedding.
- Hydration remains critical, especially as temperatures begin to rise.
Summer: Prevent Overheating and Dehydration
Hot weather affects pets’ appetite, energy, and ability to regulate temperature. Many pets naturally become less active in the summer — which can lead to weight gain if food portions aren’t adjusted.
Keep Movement Safe
- Avoid walks during peak heat: Stick to early mornings or late evenings to protect paws from hot pavement and prevent heat exhaustion.
- Indoor play: Puzzle toys, scent games, and short training sessions can replace outdoor exercise.
- Provide cool resting spots: Offer shaded areas or cooling mats to encourage comfortable relaxation.
Hydration and Appetite
- Wet food or water-rich treats like cucumber or watermelon (without seeds) can supplement hydration.
- Monitor water bowls: Refill them regularly and place extras in different parts of the house.
- Loss of appetite can be normal during intense heat, but if your pet refuses food for more than 24 hours, consult a vet.
Fall: Transition Time and Hidden Calories
Autumn brings cooler weather and more appetite, which can result in “fall fattening” — especially if pet owners begin increasing food before activity levels pick up.
Manage Feeding Habits
- Be cautious with treats: Fall holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving often involve sharing — but many human foods are too rich or dangerous for pets. Stick to pet-safe snacks.
- Stick to scheduled feeding: Free-feeding (leaving food out all day) can lead to overeating when pets naturally feel hungrier in the cold.
Boost Activity Before Winter
Cooler temperatures are ideal for brisk walks and longer play sessions.
- Use the time to build endurance before winter slows things down.
- Mental stimulation remains important as daylight hours decrease. Rotate toys and teach new tricks.
Winter: Warmth, Weight, and Wellness
Cold weather often means less movement, more eating, and indoor-only lifestyles. This combination can quickly lead to weight gain and sluggishness.
Watch Calorie Intake
- Pets may burn fewer calories in winter unless they’re very active outdoors.
- Portion control is critical: Even if they seem hungrier, resist the urge to increase food unless your vet recommends it.
Keep Them Moving
- Indoor games like fetch in a hallway, obstacle courses with cushions, or food-search games keep them mentally and physically active.
- Short outdoor walks with proper clothing (for small or short-coated breeds) can help burn calories and provide fresh air.
Seasonal Wellness Checks
Winter is a great time to schedule an annual vet visit.
- Bloodwork, weight checks, and dental assessments help catch emerging issues early.
- Cold-related conditions like joint stiffness may appear or worsen. Supplements like glucosamine or heated beds can ease discomfort.
Year-Round Strategies for Maintaining Healthy Weight
While seasonal care matters, consistent habits year-round are the foundation of pet health. Here’s how to keep your pet on track:
1. Establish a Routine
Animals thrive on predictability. Keeping regular mealtimes, walks, and play sessions reduces stress and prevents overeating.
- Avoid irregular feeding which can lead to begging or binging.
- Use scheduled walks to control both weight and behavior.
2. Measure Food, Don’t Guess
Overfeeding is one of the biggest contributors to obesity in pets.
- Use measuring cups for dry food and scales for raw or fresh meals.
- Adjust portions based on your pet’s energy output, not just their age or size.
- Discuss portion adjustments with your vet during routine visits.
3. Don’t Rely on Treats for Attention
Many pets gain unnecessary weight from excessive treats.
- Reserve treats for training or reward, not boredom.
- Offer low-calorie alternatives like green beans, ice cubes, or small carrot slices.
- Limit treats to 10% or less of daily caloric intake.
4. Track Weight and Body Condition
Don’t wait for annual vet visits to notice weight gain. Regularly monitor:
- Rib visibility: You should be able to feel (not see) your pet’s ribs.
- Waist definition: Viewed from above, pets should have a visible tuck behind the ribs.
- Energy levels: Excess weight often causes fatigue or reluctance to play.
Keep a log or photos to compare monthly progress.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your pet’s weight seems to fluctuate drastically with the seasons, or if diet and exercise don’t seem to help, consult your veterinarian. Underlying conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, or arthritis can affect metabolism or mobility.
A vet can help develop a custom wellness plan and may refer you to a veterinary nutritionist for deeper support.
Final Thoughts: Balanced Care Through Every Season
Seasonal changes are natural — but your pet’s health shouldn’t be a rollercoaster. By anticipating how each time of year affects their behavior and energy, you can adjust food, exercise, and routines accordingly.
Remember, the goal isn’t to keep your pet on a strict diet, but to promote lifelong wellness. With thoughtful seasonal adjustments, your furry companion can stay active, balanced, and happy — no matter the weather.