Besides snow walking, Poppy loves \u201csnow hopping\u201d (her favorite sport). Both give her a good workout and help control winter weight for all of us!<\/p>\n
This winter, because she\u2019s had more exercise than in past years, we\u2019re scratching our heads to figure it out. We weigh her food and monitor her treats so we\u2019d know if she were eating more. She\u2019s not. Is there something in a dog\u2019s nature that hangs on to calories in winter? Does her metabolism slow down?<\/p>\n
The Thrifty Gene<\/strong><\/p>\n After some research, we learned the answer to those questions is,\u201dYes!\u201d Ken Tudor, DVM, on the Pet MD website wrote<\/a>, \u201cShorter days signal to the dog brain that winter is coming. This sets off hormonal changes to slow metabolism and conserve calorie expenditure.\u201d He says, \u201cThese changes also promote the deposition of fat. This phenomenon is a result of a genetic adaptation called the \u2018thrifty gene.\u2019 The thrifty gene prepares the dog for the harsh winter and allows for normal performance in harsh conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n We have to offset the thrifty gene with more attention to the \u201cfood in\/exercise out\u201d balance. Just as it is with humans, dogs have to eat less or exercise more to keep from gaining weight.<\/p>\n Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon<\/a>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=bostonzestcom-20&l=ur2&o=1\")