The winter is a tough time for dogs. The cold temperatures make
it dangerous for dogs to be outside for too long and the salt and
ice can hurt their paws. However, just because the situation
isn't right to play with your dog outside doesn't mean they have
to give up their workout routine. Try these easy indoor
activities to keep your pooch's body and mind healthy.
1. Indoor fetch
Fetch is a classic game to play with your dog, but if
it's too cold out, it won't be any fun. Instead, try taking your
furry friend and a tennis ball into the garage or basement. Throw
and bounce the ball around the room. Although you won't be able
to get the distance that you would outside, bouncing the
ball around the room allows your dog to run all over the small
space and get a serious cardiovascular workout.
2. Hide and seek
A game as old as time, you can play this childhood favorite with
your dog as well. Simply place your dog in one room while you
hide yourself or a treat in another room farther away, call
your dog and give them a chance to find you or the treat in the
hiding spot. This lets your dog use their nose to
search for something. Repeat this a few times to get a good
workout in and reward them with
healthy treats
.
3. Tug-of-war
Some people avoid tug-of-war with their dog because they're
afraid it will rile them up or teach them bad habits, but the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
explained tug can be
a safe, fun activity
."Playing tug with your dog can provide a wonderful outlet for
her natural canine urges to grab and pull on things with her
mouth. You can also use this game to exercise your dog and teach
her important lessons, such as how to listen to you when she's
excited," the ASPCA explained.
4. Build an obstacle course
Whether you want to practice agility training or just play with
your pup,
an obstacle course is a great
indoor activity
to get their blood pumping, according to Cesar's Way. Include
plenty of items to climb on and jump through and watch your dog
have the time of their life.
PetPlus
is the best place on the Web for nutritious treats to reward your
dog for a long day of indoor athletics.
How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need in Winter?
When winter comes around, you need to take extra care of your
dog. This means you need to know how much exercise does your dog
need in winter. The good news is there are plenty of ways to
exercise your dog. A big dog might revel in the snow while a
small one would not be so keen on exercising in the winter.
Exercising is Good for Your
Dog
Winter means there will snow and ice on the ground. It makes
sense to start exercising your dog slowly at first. When your dog
becomes accustomed to exercising in the winter, you can make it
do the exercises longer. It could be a good idea to speak with
your vet to find out how much exercise your dog needs. The good
news is you can start by consulting the guidelines regarding
exercising your dog in the winter. Try not to exercise your dog
too much in the winter if the conditions are very icy.
Donโt make it Lazy
On the other hand, if you do not exercise your dog in the winter,
it can become fat and lazy. A fat and lazy dog would then become
problematic healthily. You have to ensure that its knees are
strong and that it can withstand the cold. Another thing you need
to keep in mind is keeping your dog warm so that it does not
develop other problems.
Can Your Dog Withstand the
Cold?
Does your dog like to sleep in the winter? If so, it could be a
sign that it needs to be exercised. Most dogs have coats that can
withstand cold weather conditions. Remember that when the
temperatures dip, you should not allow your dog to stay indoors
all the time. You should check whether your dog can withstand the
cold. Most dogs do.
Tips to Ensure Safe
Exercising
Before and after you exercise your dog in the winter, make sure
its paws remain clean and dry. Exercising your dog for about an
hour or less can do wonders for your dogโs health. You can stop
exercising your dog when it shows it is exhausted. That means you
do not have to be too strict about the time it spends exercising
in the winter.
One of the exercises you can use is called FETCH. Be sure to have
some handy equipment with you that you can use to exercise your
dog. Also, it would help if you made your dog wear the right
clothes to stay warm and comfortable in the winter. The bottom
line is exercising your dog in the winter is good for you and
your pet. You also need to set out a workout routine that your
dog must follow every day. Now that you know that exercising your
dog in the winter go ahead and have fun with it in the winter.