Keeping Your Dog Active In Winter

We’re almost halfway through winter (if you round creatively) and many of our furry patients are spending their days curled up in their beds. While Fido will still need to go outdoors, at this time of year, many pups do their business as quickly as they can and then rush to get back inside. While we love seeing our canine buddies all warm and cozy, it’s really not good for them to become complete couch potatoes. Here, a local Burlington, ON vet offers tips on keeping your dog active in cold weather.

Some dogs absolutely love playing in the cold and snow. If Fido is a husky, he may enjoy long winter walks. (Just dress warm, and pay close attention to the terrain.) If your canine pal isn’t particularly happy about the snow, just take advantage of milder days. Whenever it warms up a bit, put a jacket on your pup, and take a longer walk than usual.

There’s no reason you can’t play with your furry buddy indoors. Just choose a spot without a lot of breakable objects. Play Fetch with Fido by tossing one of his toys down the hall. You can also keep your pooch active by holding a laser pointer for him to chase.

Stair runs are a great way for Fido to get his doggy cardio in. Stand at the top of the stairs, and toss one of your pup’s toys down to him. He’ll probably bring it back to you. Even just doing a few rounds of this will be a great workout!

The good thing about treadmills is that they offer low-impact exercise. This is great for bigger dogs, or pooches that shouldn’t jump or stand too much. Of course, there are some safety considerations here. Always remove Fido’s collar before starting his workout, and never leave him on the treadmill unsupervised. You’ll also need to get your pet used to the whole idea. Start him out on the slowest setting, and see how he does.

Our canine companions are all unique. A Pomeranian may get plenty of exercise running around the house, while a Golden Retriever may need a vigorous daily workout. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Please contact us, your Burlington, ON vet clinic, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!