January 2026
January is the season of fresh starts and ambitious resolutions. While many of us are thinking about healthier habits, it’s also a great moment to check in on our pets, because those holiday treats may have added up for them too.
When “Fluffy” Becomes a Little Too Fluffy
We love a squishy cuddle, but extra weight can take a toll on your pet’s health. Overweight dogs and cats are at higher risk for arthritis, diabetes, heart and respiratory disease, and a shorter lifespan. Those extra pounds can also make everyday activities, like playing, jumping, or zooming, much harder than they should be. Behaviors that are often attributed to “getting older,” are often linked to obesity. We see many pets return to the antics of their youth once they are back at a healthy weight.
How Did This Happen?
Just like with people, pet weight gain tends to happen slowly. A few extra treats, slightly generous food scoops, less activity during colder months… and suddenly the scale is giving side-eye. Age, spaying/neutering, and free-feeding (especially for cats) can all contribute.
Let’s Talk About Body Condition Score
Rather than focusing on the number on the scale, we use something called a Body Condition Score (BCS) to assess your pet’s weight. BCS looks at things like how easily ribs can be felt, whether there’s a visible waist, and overall body shape. It helps us determine whether your pet is underweight, at an ideal weight, or carrying a little extra “fluff.”
To learn more about BCS and how to assess your pet, please visit the following link: Association for Pet Obesity Prevention
Think of BCS as your pet’s version of a realistic New Year’s check-in: no judgment, just useful information to guide healthy goals.
Signs Your Pet Might Benefit From a Reset
- Ribs are hard to feel (or missing altogether)
- The waistline has mysteriously disappeared and they are looking less like a dog, more like a sausage (yes, even the Dachshunds!)
- Less interest in walks, playtime, or jumping
- Cats giving up on grooming certain hard-to-reach areas
If you’re unsure, our team can assess your pet’s BCS and talk through what’s ideal for their breed, age, and lifestyle.
Healthy Goals, No Crash Diets
Pet weight management is about steady, sustainable change, not extreme measures. A plan may include:
- Measured meals: Because guessing rarely works
- Purpose-built diets: Weight-management or prescription foods that support safe fat loss while keeping pets satisfied
- Treat makeovers: Fewer treats, smaller portions, or using part of their daily food as rewards
- More movement: Walks, play, puzzles, and enrichment suited to your pet’s abilities
A Resolution Worth Keeping
Helping your pet achieve a healthy weight can improve mobility, energy, and overall comfort, and unlike many New Year’s resolutions, this one has lasting benefits. Our team is always happy to help build a plan to keep your pet feeling their best all year long. Please reach out for more information!
Here’s to healthier habits and happier pets in the year ahead!
🎁 A Holiday Miracle 🎁
Scout’s rescue story began in the middle of a noisy construction site. One of our clients noticed her lingering around the site – watchful, cautious, and clearly alone. She didn’t trust easily; for three days, he showed up with patience instead of pressure, offering food, gentle words, and space. Little by little, Scout decided he was safe. By the end of the third day, she walked away from the site with him, not as a stray anymore, but as family.
Her new life had just begun when a surprise revealed itself. Less than a month after her rescue, Scout’s belly started to grow. A visit with Dr. Skinner confirmed what no one had expected: Scout was pregnant. An ultrasound showed the heartbeats of tiny puppies, and suddenly her rescue story became something even bigger.
One night, Scout proved just how strong she was. She gave birth to four healthy female puppies, welcoming them into the world with determination and endless love. Each one was a reminder that rescue doesn’t just save one life, it can save many. There was worry overnight that Scout had not yet passed the number of placentas to match the number of puppies, so Dr. Skinner made a very special 4:00am housecall to ensure a trip to the emergency room was not warranted.
The following day, Scout’s owner expressed some concerns. Shortly after, Scout and her newborn pups made their way over to Shoreview Veterinary for monitoring and supportive care. Surrounded by care and watchful eyes, mom and babies got the extra attention they needed.
We were grateful to use the Shoreview Community Fund, our internal fund dedicated to helping pets in need (both through our rescue partners as well as direct in-clinic assistance), to support Scout and her family during her unexpected pregnancy. The fund allowed us to ease some of the financial pressure surrounding her medical care and ensure she received safe, attentive treatment. Moments like this highlight the heart of our hospital: supporting pets, supporting families, and supporting our community whenever we can. We thank everyone who has donated, bought a leash, or attended our Santa Paws event, as your contributions make efforts like these possible.
From a construction site to a loving home, from uncertainty to new beginnings, Scout’s journey is one of trust, resilience, and hope. Thanks to one person’s patience (and support from generous donors like yourself), Scout’s story is no longer about survival, but about family.
