How to help your pet lose weight after Christmas.

From mince pies to hot chocolate and Christmas dinners - it’s easy to put on a few extra pounds this time of year. But did you know that also includes our pets?

In our research*, 23% of owners say their pet puts on weight during the festive season. And dogs are more likely to gain weight than cats.

But why? Our survey shows many pet parents slip on their usual rules, like not allowing begging for food. And almost a third of owners admit they can’t say no to their furry friends.

Remember, pets can’t always eat the same food as us. If you’re giving them a sneaky treat, check out our guide first to be safe: What Christmas food can be harmful to pets?

Winter also brings colder and shorter days. That can make it harder to take your dog out for walks. So, it’s no surprise, a quarter of owners say their pet puts on the most weight at this time of year.

We’ve teamed up with TV’s Graeme Hall, The Dogfather, to help keep the nation’s pets healthy. Together, we’re encouraging owners to stick to their pet resolutions. And that means getting your four-legged friend back into shape!

Our research shows most owners are ready to rise to the challenge*. In fact, 58% are setting healthy resolutions for their pets this year.

"After the festive period, it’s not just humans who can feel the effects - many pets do too. Now is the moment to reset and build healthy habits that really last. A dog’s routine shouldn’t be a short-lived New Year’s resolution. It’s a long-term commitment that plays a vital role in their health, happiness and behaviour.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with Graeme on our mission to keep the nation’s pets healthy. We know how much people love their dogs. And with the right advice and support, small changes can make a big difference - helping pets live healthier, happier lives."

Alex Cross, Chief Customer Officer at Tesco Insurance

Exercise doesn’t just help keep your pet in shape. It can help to improve their behaviour too. This is especially true for dogs.

TV dog training expert Graeme Hall says:

"There’s a clear link between health, behaviour and overall wellbeing. So regular exercise plays a vital role. In fact, a lack of activity can, in some cases, contribute to behavioural issues."

But some breeds need more than just physical exercise. High energy dogs - like Springer Spaniels and Border Collies - often need mental exercise to keep them happy.

A good walk with your dog should be structured. You should let them sniff regularly as you take a stroll - that’s how they discover the world. And pay attention to them on walks, rather than letting them run wild.

Graeme continues:

"Physical exercise helps burn energy, but mental stimulation and structure help to create a calm dog. That, alongside plenty of training, could lead to less behavioural issues."

So, more physical and mental exercise this year is a big step towards a happier pet!

Like all New Year’s resolutions, making them is the easy part. Keeping them up is where the hard work begins!

The secret? Setting health-based goals for yourself, as well as your pet. In our research*:

More training could come in handy - only 22% of dog owners say their pet never breaks any rules*. From jumping on guests to pulling on the lead, most dogs are guilty of a little bad behaviour.

Here are Graeme Hall’s top 3 tips for training your dog.

Most problems start from your dog being overexcited. To deal with that, you need to be a calm, assertive leader. And you need to be consistent. Your rules shouldn’t change from day to day - no letting them up on the sofa one day, then telling them off the next.

You have to reward or correct your dog’s actions within 2 seconds of them doing it. That way, they can make the connection between action and reward. For example, if they stop barking when they’re told to, you need to praise them as soon as they’re quiet.

This’ll help you understand why they’re behaving a certain way. Their actions are usually driven by instinct, anxiety or confusion. It’s much easier to improve a behaviour once you understand the reason behind it.

You’ll find more tips and advice from Graeme in our dog training guide: Dog training tips from The Dogfather.

Enter our prize draw for the chance to win an online training session with Graeme Hall and your dog.

The prize draw is open to all UK residents aged 21 or over. It will run from 00.01am on 9 January 2026 until 23.59pm on 28 February 2026.

Find out how to manage your policy or make a claim if you have Tesco Pet Insurance.

Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.

vetfone is provided by Vetsdirect Ltd.

You'll find complete details of the cover, monetary limits, exclusions, excesses and terms in our policy documents.

*An online survey was conducted by WALR among cat and dog owners. Fieldwork took place from 8-13 October 2025. Data was collected in line with MRS (Market Research Society) and ESOMAR guidelines, to make sure it was done ethically and accurately.