As temperatures drop, it can be challenging to get your dog outside on their usual walk. Although some dog love crisp winter walks, it’s important to ensure they remain safe in the cold temperatures.
RVN, Korina Stephens from Nutravet comments: “Just like us, our four-legged friends can feel the cold and not feel like going out for their usual walks. Despite the cold weather it’s still important to ensure they get the right amount of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
“In the cold weather, joint stiffness can appear more prominent and regular exercise can help to keep joints mobile, as well as preventing any weight gain which can add pressure to joints. Keeping up with their exercise routine in winter months can ensure they remain active and entertained.”
To help keep your pooch active in winter, Nutravet share their top tips:
Winter walks
If your dog is still happy to go on their usual winter walk, be sure to wrap up warm and if needed use a doggy coat to keep them cosy. If you can, try to avoid icy roads and pavements and clean your dog’s paws when you get home to remove and ice, salt or grit which may cause irritation.
Try some indoor games
If it’s too cold outside for your four-legged friend, there are some indoor games you could try to get them moving, which include:
Tug of war – get your dog a tug of war rope to enjoy a good game with them. If you have more than one dog, you could let them play together. However, be sure to keep an eye on them, as this type of game could encourage aggression.
Fetch – if you have enough space in your home set up an area to play fetch. Make sure it’s on carpeted floors as hard wood floors could cause your dog to slip and get injured. To prevent repetition, throw different objects for them to fetch and return.
Hide and seek– tell your dog to wait somewhere while you hide in the house. Then shout for them to come and find you. You may need someone else to stay with your dog while you go and find a hiding spot. Alternatively, you could hide a toy or their favourite treat somewhere in the home for them to sniff out.
Brain games — interactive brain games are a great way to keep your dog’s brain active as well as maintain their physical activity. Try hiding a treat under a cup and mix it up with other empty cups and get your pooch to try and pick the right one to get the treat.
Indoor obstacle course – If you have the space to do so, and it’s possible to do so, create a small obstacle course for your pooch in the home. All you need is a few cones and some items for your dog to jump over.
Hydrotherapy/ Swimming
Swimming is a great form of exercise for dogs as it is low impact, which is kinder on their joints. In winter months, it’s not advised to take your dog swimming outdoors, but you could book them into a hydrotherapy session with a qualified trainer at an indoor pool. This will help to ensure your dog gets some much-needed exercise, as well as soothing their stiff joints.
Training classes
Indoor training or agility classes are a great way of exercising your dog in colder weather, as well as allowing them to socialise with other dogs and boost their brain health.
Some breeds of dog may need more exercise than others. If you are unsure what exercise is best suited for your pooch, speak to your vet who is best placed to offer advice depending on your pets age and breed.
