Keeping Your Pet Active During the Winter
In a recent blog post, we talked about alleviating your pet's joint pain during the winter months. As most of us know, joint pain tends to increase as the barometric pressure drops and the temperature decreases. Our pets also feel this change and experience more joint issues during the cold time of year. Keeping active with exercise and movement helps loosen the joints and alleviate discomfort, but how do we keep our pets more active during this sometimes limiting time of year when it's cold outside? We've put together some winter dog activities that will make the cold months less intimidating for you and your pet.
Playing Fetch
Most dogs love to chase and fetch toys, and this game is a great way to promote your pet's physical and mental health. Just because there's snow on the ground doesn't mean your companion doesn't want to play fetch with you. Use a bright-colored toy or ball so your dog doesn't spend more time hunting for it in the snow than retrieving it and returning it to you. It's also a great opportunity for both of you to get outside and get some exercise.
Take a Hike
Just because it is cold doesn't mean you should stop going on walks and hikes. Bundle up and take a shorter walk around the neighborhood or along a favorite trail. Keeping moving helps your dog maintain muscle tone, which is crucial to combatting arthritis and joint pain. There are many health benefits associated with exposing yourself to nature and the great outdoors, and it only makes sense that this will benefit your pet as well.
Pet Playdates
Allowing your dog to play with other pets from time to time improves your pet's social skills. Playdates give your dog the stimulation he or she needs when it's too cold to go outside. Invite pet-owner friends and their pets to a meet-and-play event at your home, and have some indoor winter dog activities lined up for the get-together. Socializing is a vital part of the mental health of your dog. It also helps keep your dog happy and physically fit.
Roadtrip to a Pet Store
When it's too cold to play outside, remember there are indoor spaces that are pet-friendly, too. The big-box pet stores allow leashed pets to roam the aisles and do a bit of shopping by your side. The stimulation of a car ride and the chance to look at treats and toys can be a fun winter excursion for you and your furry buddy. And it's a great way to get some indoor exercise as you walk up and down the aisles.
Indoor Training
During the winter we are often cooped up inside. This can be a perfect time to teach your pet a new trick. You can work on social skills and interacting with guests. Try teaching your dog to pick up their toys and keep them in a specific area. Teaching your dog behavior modifications stimulates their mind, increases the bond between the two of you, and makes owning a pet much more enjoyable. Don't forget to reward good behavior with a treat!
Winter Warnings
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind during the wintertime. Remember to limit the amount of time your pup spends outdoors in snowy, cold weather. When the weather is really severe, consider bundling up your pet with a jacket or even dog boots, especially if your pet is short-haired and sensitive to the cold. Bring along some water to keep your dog hydrated, as eating snow may expose them to dirt, salt, chemicals, and other unhealthy debris. And remember, older dogs and those with arthritis may not be able to battle the cold outdoors for very long, so they should not be left outside during winter.
About FlexPet: FlexPet is a joint supplement for dogs built around CM8® (cetyl myristoleate) — made in the USA and trusted since 1999. See what makes CM8® different →