I don’t know about you, but it feels like it has been a particularly cold and snowy winter in my neck of the woods. Now, I don’t particularly mind the cold and snow, but the recent “cold snaps” of Colorado feel like a whole new level!
I am amazed by the resilient dog owners I see bracing the weather to ensure their furry friend gets proper exercise. If you are struggling though to keep your pup well-walked, you are not alone. So, what can you do to ensure wintertime doesn’t negtiavely impact your pet’s well-being?
Starting off Simple: Maintain a Routine
Let’s say your dog is used to walks right when you come home from work. Consider setting aside that same time for play, even if that means indoors. This will keep your pet on a healthy routine that feels familiar while providing them with some attention and exercise.
Indoor Exercise Ideas
So, what can be done inside when it is just too cold to brace the outdoors? It may not be quite the same, but you can still keep your pet entertained, sharp, and exercised in more ways than one.
Game Time!
Let’s start off with some easy ones. Consider teaching your pet indoor fetch – now, if they are used to playing fetch outside, this shouldn’t take too long! I know my family pup loves her toy thrown down the stairs as an added obstacle.
Maybe your pup is more investigative. Consider teaching them hide and seek! This is a fan favorite in my family. While our doggie runs downstairs to fetch her toy in the aforementioned stairwell indoor fetch, we will each hide and await being found. This may be particularly engaging for your dog if they tend to herd their humans.
Bonus: hide and seek can stimulate your dog’s hunting instincts by activating their sense of smell! I must admit our family doodle does not seem to possess this instinct, but it can be good to keep your pet’s brain active as much as their body!
This brings me to puzzles! Pet puzzles are making a stir – there are diverse offerings, from treat puzzles to lick mats. You can even consider getting a feeding mat that will disperse and hide your dog’s food. This will allow for some mental stimulation, and for those fast eaters to slow down!
Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
If you’ve got the time and the patience, consider teaching your pup some new tricks! Setting aside some training time throughout the day in small chunks will challenge them mentally. Even a small amount of mental stimulation can be as tiring as a longer session of physical exercise!
Which brings me to… The importance of sniffing. I recently found out how important sniffing is to a dog’s exercise. Not only does it provide mental stimuation, but it also can reduce stress and increase well-being! Letting your pet have designated sniffing time can be great.
So, if you can only make it outside for a brief amount of time, make sure you allow for some good ol’ sniffs. This was something I was not prioritizing on dog walks, previously. But, just like the pups, I can also be taught some new tricks!
The Classics
When all else fails, there’s nothing wrong with some living room tug of war! Or encouraging play time with different toys. Hack: consider rotating your pet’s toys. This way, it will keep them novel and balance the wear and tear.
Playdates: Not Just for the Two-Legged Kiddo
If you have some dog friends in your life, consider inviting them over. It is always a good idea to allow some socialization for your pup! Added bonus: this can be some social time for you, too! Not only will your pup get out some energy, but this helps them practice being friendly and engaging with different people and dogs.
Assess Your Pet’s Food Intake
Before you change up your pet’s diet, make sure you consult their vet. If your pet has a vastly different exercise routine throughout the year, it is possible they need a slightly smaller portion in the winter than in the summer. If your pet spends a lot of time outside in the cold, though, those calories can help them stay warm!
Finding What Works For You
The only thing that is promised is change – change in the weather is no exception for those of us that live among the seasons. The time and energy you can provide to your pet may change, and that’s okay!
We are all just trying to do our best and enjoy our lives as much as possible. Our pets, included! So, as you go on with your winter, do the best you can to find the exercise routine that works for your pup. Maybe a frozen peanut butter-filled kong is just what they need tonight! There’s always tomorrow to get that walk in.
