🐾 Winter Weight: Healthy or Hibernation Mode?
Because your dog’s hoodie shouldn’t be the only thing that’s snug.
The winter temptation is real.
When the weather gets colder, the days get shorter, and the doona calls louder than the leash, we all fall into winter hibernation mode — and our dogs often come with us.
There’s the slow-down on walks. The extra cuddle time. And yes — the treats. Because when Charlie gives that look, and I’ve just skipped his long walk (again), it feels only fair that he gets something a little extra.
But winter weight gain isn’t just a human thing — and while a few comfort days are normal, it’s worth checking if those pleading pup eyes are winning just a little too often.
“One more biscuit won’t hurt”… right?
The truth is, a little seasonal fluctuation is normal. We’re inside more, moving less, and the routine shifts.
But there’s a difference between a bit of fluff and an actual change in body condition — especially when:
- Their harness starts fitting differently
- Their hoodie isn’t sitting quite right
- Or they’re jumping less, playing less, and snoozing more than usual
In Charlie’s case, I haven’t seen him bulk up drastically — but we had a close call once. My vet was clear: keep him under a specific weight, or his arthritis could worsen. At 18, he’s still fooling people into thinking he’s a pup — but that only lasts if we don’t overdo it.
The health stakes are real for older dogs.
When a senior dog gains weight, it’s not just about the number on the scale. It’s about:
- Added pressure on already stiff joints
- The increased risk of heart issues
- Reduced mobility, which can affect mood and mental stimulation
Charlie has arthritis, but we’ve managed it without pain meds — because we’ve stayed consistent with his weight. That means:
- Measured meals (no ‘top-ups’ unless earned)
- Limited treats (even when the guilt hits)
- Knowing that love sometimes means saying no
How we make winter movement work
Yes, winter is for rest. But movement — even gentle — is still important.
Charlie’s not a toy-motivated dog unless you have the toy, in which case it becomes very interesting. But what he doeslove is sniffing — and we’ve found a snuffle mat is the perfect indoor walk replacement.
A few rounds with his snuffle mat, a couple of puzzles, and the occasional hallway game are enough to balance out those shorter outdoor walks — and give me peace of mind that I’m still supporting his mental and physical health.
But we’ve definitely had our “uh oh” moments…
There was one winter I realised I had been comfort-eating a little too often. As I adjusted my own waistband, I noticed Charlie’s harness was suddenly snug too.
Then I looked at him in his hoodie — and it just didn’t sit the same. The fit was off. The fluff was real.
Turns out, my liberal hand with the biscuit tin had been matched with his pleading eyes — and neither of us said no. The real heartbreak came when I started scaling back and those same eyes looked at me like I’d betrayed him.
(We’re fine now. But it took some serious licky mat negotiations.)
It’s not about shame — it’s about awareness.
We believe in comfort. In connection. In the joy of a winter cuddle in a hoodie that feels like home.
But we also believe in the kind of care that goes deeper — the kind that keeps our pups healthy, long-term. And sometimes, that starts with asking:
“Is this a treat... or a habit?”
Final tip:
If your pup’s hoodie starts looking a little snug — maybe it’s time to check their serving size before you check the size tag.
And if you’ve had a winter bulk moment, you’re not alone.
We’ll be running a poll this week in Stories to see how many Fur‑You pups have joined the fluff club.
Let their warmth come from the hoodie — not just the extra snack.
Shop our soft, hand screen-printed hoodie collection here →
