As Dubai moves into the cooler winter season, now is the ideal time to start a new outdoor routine for you and your pets. Obesity is a growing concern among pets, particularly in environments where high temperatures can limit their exercise.
This winter ( – and with 30×30 Dubai Fitness Challenge to motivate us…) take advantage of the mild weather to get your pet active and improve their health.
Here is a few signs to look out for in pet obesity – Why it’s essential to address, and How to create a sustainable exercise routine for the season.
Key Signs of Obesity in Pets
Visible Body Changes: Obese pets often lack a visible waistline and abdominal tuck, with fat deposits building up around the neck, back, and base of the tail. Look out for these changes in all pets, from dogs and cats to rabbits and reptiles, as the risk of obesity spans across species.
Determining whether your pet is at a healthy weight, overweight, or even obese is an essential first step. Use the charts in the slider below to assess your pet’s body condition. The 1-9 scale, commonly used by veterinarians, functions similarly to the BMI scale for humans.
Decreased Mobility and Grooming Challenges: Obesity can lead to limited mobility. This winter, observe whether your pet resists play, struggles with grooming, or becomes less active. Cats might stop jumping, dogs might avoid stairs, and rabbits could struggle with hopping. For reptiles, movement may slow down due to excess weight.
Breathing Issues: Carrying around excess weight is hard on the lungs. Strained breathing or panting can indicate respiratory challenges, which can be intensified in Dubai’s hot months.
Click to enlarge the images.
Health Risks of Obesity
Obesity is a risk factor for arthritis – excess weight strain joints and ligament that worsens pin and makes it difficult to move. Another risk is skin and coat problems – obesity leaves your pet more prone to skin infections such as dermatitis. More risks include diabetes endocrine disorders and cardiovascular problems.
Regular exercise now can reduce these risks, while providing your pet with a happier, more active life.
Embracing Dubai’s Winter for Pet Fitness #2f4pFitnessChallenge
Get Moving: The cooler weather allows more time outdoors. Enjoy long walks, try puppy pilates, or explore the beautiful safe parks that Dubai has to offer. For cats, try leash training or secure balcony time is a great option. Rabbits benefit from safe hopping areas, and reptiles can also enjoy limited time in secure outdoor areas to promote movement.
Balanced Diet, Regular Vet Visits & Exclusive Club Benefits: Winter is also an ideal time to combine a balanced diet with routine vet visits. At 2Feet4Paws, a leading pet clinic in Dubai, we understand Dubai pets’ unique needs and offer tailored weight management, nutrition, and activity advice. Better yet, join our 2Feet4Paws Club to ensure your pet stays on track all year.
All membership levels include:
– 4 x Nurse Health Checks and Nail Clips
– Immediate access to member discounts, with no waiting period
And, most importantly, no exclusions for pre-existing conditions—giving your pet the care they need, whenever they need it. Regular check-ups mean earlier detection of any issues, leading to quicker resolutions and greater peace of mind.
By recognizing signs of obesity early and using Dubai’s winter season to your pet’s advantage, you can keep your paw, feathered, and scaled friends happy and healthy all year round. For more personalised advice, reach out to us at 2Feet4Paws.
