Helping Your Dog Lose Weight

by California Casualty | Helpful Tips, Pets | 0 comments

If you’ve noticed your dog looking a little rounder than usual, you’re not alone. It happens gradually, almost sneakily — even to the most loving and attentive owners. The good news? Helping your dog get back to a healthy weight doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be a rewarding, bonding journey filled with new routines, more play, and a happier, more energetic pup.

Why Those Extra Pounds Matter

A chubby dog may look adorable, but the health risks are anything but cute. Obesity is linked to serious conditions in pets, including:

• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Heart, liver, and kidney disease
• Certain cancers
• A shortened lifespan

Even a few extra pounds can place stress on your dog’s joints and organs. Think of weight-loss efforts not as a diet, but as an investment — one that pays off in more comfortable movement, better sleep, extra years of life, and that unmistakable sparkle in your dog’s eyes when they feel good.

Is Your Dog Overweight?

Every dog breed has its own natural shape, so it’s important to look at your pet’s individual build. Here are three simple checks you can do at home. These quick visual cues give you a starting point, but your veterinarian remains the best source for an accurate assessment.

1. Rib Check
   Run your hands along your dog’s ribcage. You should be able to feel the ribs easily beneath a thin layer of fat — not pressing hard, just lightly gliding your fingers.
2. Waist Check
   Look down at your dog from above. Do you see an obvious waistline behind the ribs? If not, or if the body looks oval instead of hourglass, that may indicate extra weight.
3. Tummy Tuck Check
   Now look from the side. Your dog’s abdomen should slope upward slightly from the ribcage toward the hind legs. A sagging or straight line usually means excess fat around the belly.

Start with a Vet Visit

Before making any changes, schedule a checkup. Think of your vet as your dog’s personal trainer and nutritionist rolled into one. Your veterinarian can:

• Rule out underlying health issues like arthritis or thyroid disease
• Identify an ideal weight goal
• Recommend a safe daily calorie target
• Suggest food options tailored to your dog’s needs

Think Slow and Steady

Crash diets are unsafe for dogs and ineffective long-term. A healthy pace for canine weight loss is typically 1–5% of current body weight per month. Gradual progress prevents metabolism slowdowns, reduces hunger-driven begging, and helps your dog lose fat while maintaining muscle. Small improvements, made consistently, lead to big results.

Choosing the Right Food

You may want to stay with your dog’s current food or switch to a healthier diet. That doesn’t necessarily mean buying the most expensive bag on the shelf. What matters is choosing a formula that aligns with your dog’s goals. Options to consider include:

• Prescription weight-loss diets: Great for dogs with significant weight to lose or underlying health issues.
• Low-calorie kibble: Many brands offer lighter formulas.
• Senior formulas: Often lower in calories to match lower activity levels in older dogs.
• Wet food: Higher water content keeps pups fuller while reducing overall calories.

Count the Calories (Yes, It Matters!)

Just like with people, portion size is often the real culprit.

• Measure every meal — don’t eyeball it.
• Use a kitchen scale or a measuring scoop for accuracy.
• Track calories from treats. (They count!)

When it comes to treats, think outside the (biscuit) box. Many dogs enjoy baby carrots, blueberries, plain green beans, or ice cubes. These crunchy snacks satisfy without blowing the daily calorie budget.

Smaller, More Frequent Meals

If your schedule allows, breaking meals into two or three smaller feedings throughout the day can help curb hunger and begging. This simple shift can make a big difference in your dog’s comfort—and your sanity.

Movement: Make It Fun — and Make It Daily

You don’t have to train for a marathon. You just need to get moving together. Aim for 30 minutes of daily activity, adjusted for your dog’s fitness and health. Options your dog may enjoy include:

• Walks
• Swimming
• Hiking
• Fetch
• Tug play
• Games
• Doggie playdates
• Agility or fitness classes

If your dog is significantly overweight, start slow. Watch for heavy panting, lagging behind, or signs of discomfort. Keep water available and increase activity gradually. Most importantly, make it enjoyable. Your dog will feed off your energy — so smile, laugh, chat with your pup, and celebrate the moments you’re spending together.

Keep Track of Progress

Some animal hospitals offer free weight checks, and many pet stores have scales as well. Progress can be subtle at first, but seeing those numbers shift (even a little!) is incredibly motivating.

Celebrating non-scale victories keeps the journey positive. You can also track:

• Energy level
• Mobility
• Ease of getting up
• Endurance on walks
• Coat condition

 Get the Whole Family on Board

Helping your dog reach a healthy weight is an act of love, and consistency is key. If one person sneaks table scraps, adds extra kibble, or gives too many treats, progress stalls. Agree as a household on the plan — portions, treats, activity, and rules. That way, your dog gets a clear, consistent message and a greater chance at success.

 A Final Note About Protection

Health journeys sometimes come with unplanned vet expenses. Having pet insurance can help offset larger costs and keep your dog’s wellness on track. You can easily add Pet’s Best pet insurance to your California Casualty auto or home policy. Talk with a California Casualty customer service representative to learn more about what pet insurance can cover.

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

What Your Pet is Really Saying

by California Casualty | Helpful Tips, Pets | 0 comments

Ever wonder what’s going on behind those puppy-dog eyes or that flick of your cat’s tail? Spoiler alert: your pet is talking to you all the time. From happy wiggles to warning growls, our furry friends have a whole language of their own. The good news? Once you know how to decode it, you’ll unlock a secret world of wagging, purring, and even side-eye that reveals exactly what your dog or cat is really saying.

Dogs: The Masters of Expression

Dogs are an open book—if you know how to read the pages. Their eyes, ears, tails, and even fur are constantly sending signals about how they’re feeling.

Eyes

• A relaxed dog has soft, almond-shaped eyes that may even squint slightly.
• If their eyes are rounder than usual or showing a lot of white (often called “whale eye”), they may be stressed or on edge.
• Dilated “glassy” pupils can mean fear or high arousal.
• Dogs that avoid looking at you directly are feeling uneasy. They also may be resource guarding food or a toy.
• Calm, soft eye contact shows trust. Prolonged, hard stares, however, are a challenge—best to avoid.

Ears

• Forward-facing ears mean interest and alertness (even floppy-eared pups will shift the base forward).
• Slightly back often means relaxed and approachable—especially if paired with a wagging tail.
• Pinned flat against the head? That’s a sign of fear, nervousness, or submission.

Mouth

• A relaxed dog usually has a slightly open mouth with upturned corners.
• Closed, tight lips or pulled-back corners can signal fear.
• Wrinkled muzzle and bared teeth = warning: back off.
• Some dogs even show a “submissive smile” (teeth showing with wagging tail, lowered head, squinty eyes).
• Yawning or lip licking can be early signs of stress.

Tail

• Neutral (in line with the spine) = relaxed.
• High and stiff = excitement or agitation.
• Tucked between legs = fear or discomfort.
• Loose, wagging tail = friendly—but always check the rest of the body for context.

Vocalizations

• Barking can mean joy, fear, or alertness—tone and pitch matter.
• Whining often signals a need for attention, comfort, or even pain.
• Yelps = pain.
• Growling = a clear warning.
• Howling may be a response to sounds or a sign of anxiety.

Posture & Movement

• Play bow (front end down, rear up, wiggly movements) = “let’s play!”
• Rolling on back can mean trust—but it’s not always an invite for belly rubs.
• Frozen posture = fear or guarding behavior.
• Trembling may signal anxiety but also check for medical issues if it’s frequent.

• Raised hackles (the hair along the back) don’t always mean aggression—they can signal fear, stress, or excitement.

 Pro Tip: Keep your pup mentally engaged with Brain Games for Dogs.

Cats: The Subtle Storytellers

Cats can be a little harder to read than dogs, but once you know the signs, their signals are just as clear.

Eyes

• Slow blinks are the ultimate “I love you.”
• Dilated pupils = excitement, fear, or aggression.
• Constricted pupils = tension or aggression.
• A hard stare can mean dominance or a brewing fight.
• A sideways glance can mean trust and comfort.

Ears

• Forward and relaxed = curious, content.
• Flat against the head = annoyed, scared, or defensive.
• Constant swiveling means they’re listening intently.

Tail

• Upright with a slight curve = happy, confident cat.
• Puffed up = scared or upset.
• Flicking or thrashing = irritated—time to back off.
• Low and tucked = anxious or frightened.

Whiskers & Fur

• Forward whiskers = curiosity and excitement.
• Pulled back whiskers = fear.
• Fur standing on end (with arched back) = threatened or defensive.

Vocalizations

• Growls, hisses, yowls = “back off.”
• Purring usually signals contentment—but sometimes pain.
• Trills (that high, chirpy sound) = friendly greeting.
• Meows and chirps can mean anything from hunger to frustration to simple “chattiness.” If it’s constant, check with your vet to rule out meows due to pain.

Posture & Behavior

• Play mode: crouching, pouncing, bringing you toys.
• Crouched ball: ready to spring—anxious or fearful.
• Belly up: trust, but not always an invitation for tummy rubs. The cat could latch onto your well-meaning hand with its claws and teeth.
• Arched back with fur up: fear or aggression.
• Cats often point their whole body toward where they want to go—it’s their way of saying, “excuse me, I’m headed this way.”

Building a Better Bond

Learning to “speak” dog and cat doesn’t just prevent misunderstandings—it strengthens the bond you share. You’ll know when your dog really wants to play, when your cat is overstimulated, and when either one needs a little space. Over time, you’ll find yourself communicating so well, it’ll feel like you and your furry friend share your own secret language.

We love our pets, and part of caring for them means protecting their health and wellbeing. Make sure your dog or cat is fully protected with pet insurance. Looking to save on veterinary care? Check out our blog on 9 Ways to Save on Your Vet Bill.

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com