The Seasonal Shift
Getting ready for winter holidays

This is the time of year that we start thinking about the upcoming holidays and taking stock of our lives as we prepare for winter. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's the perfect time to make plans for the holidays and get ready for winter.

It's a natural time of year for many of us to think about our weight - are we already at the right weight to ride out the season of less exercise and more treats? What about our pets? Are they ready for winter? Cats and dogs are less active during the darker winter months, and it's easier for them to put on weight, just like us. How do you know if your pet is overweight, and what can you do about it? We have suggestions below on keeping your pets at a healthy weight.

The holiday season seems to arrive earlier every year. While we’re all for taking the time to enjoy the seasons as they unfold, it makes sense to plan ahead and be ready for the holiday season. We've got a preview of holiday pet gifts below we know you’ll find the perfect items to make your pet’s holiday season delightful!

DON'T FORGET ABOUT FREE SHIPPING!! 
Most of our holiday gifts and treats are eligible for free shipping on orders of $75 or more! Look for the message on the item's page on our website that says "This item qualifies for free shipping!"

In this issue:

The Holiday Season is just around the corner! Click here to find holiday gifts for your pet and pet loving family & friends. Most of them qualify for free shipping on orders over $75!

Supporting Overweight Pets: Is your pet the right weight? Click here for more information on the importance of healthy weight maintenance.

Click here to check out our Picks for Natural Weight Control: supplements and foods.

Help your pet manage the holiday season with ease - Save 15% on Spirit Essences Holiday Stress Stopper Flower Essence Remedy. Plus it qualifies for free shipping!

Supporting Overweight Pets

One of the most costly mistakes we can make with our pets is allowing them to become overweight. With their four-legged stature, extra weight takes a harder toll on them than it does with humans, who carry their weight vertically. Pound for pound, extra weight on our pets puts a heavier burden on their joints and organs.

Senior pets are at extra risk, as their metabolism slows down and their bodies’ cells are less able to replicate quickly and properly. Often, their digestion is impaired, and food is metabolized less efficiently, which can cause a host of problems, from weight gain to allergic reactions stemming from "leaky gut syndrome."

As occurs with people, our pets store toxins in fat cells, which creates an overload on their bodies, making many organ systems function less well than in pets at a healthy weight. Toxin build-up can set the stage for serious health problems, and make existing health concerns worse.

The best thing we can do to help our pets maintain a healthy weight is to evaluate their food and treat intake, and limit the quantity in accordance with their size and activity level. Providing high quality food is vital, as is keeping in check the carbohydrate content of food and treats they consume. Natural weight control food may be appropriate, and a natural weight control supplement may help as well.

If you think your pet may be overweight, talk to your veterinarian about options to help your pet slim down. As always, we encourage you to consult with a holistic veterinarian to get the best care for your pet. The AMHVA website can help you locate a holistic vet in your area.

For more advice on assessing your pet's weight and tips to help overweight pets, please see our Holistic Healthcare Library articles, "Weight Management for Dogs and Cats," and "Is Your Pet Too Pudgy?"