It is no secret that our furry family members need lots of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. However, during the cold winter months and shortened daylight hours, it can be challenging for your pup to get all the exercise they need. Even if your dog is reluctant to face the cold and snow, they still need to burn off pent-up energy!
Lack of exercise can really take a toll on your pup’s mental and physical health. Not only is your dog at risk of all the dangers that come with pet obesity, but restlessness may result in some not-so-nice behavior. If temperatures are dropping or you’re simply not up for a chilly adventure, there are still plenty of fun activities for dogs to keep them active and entertained in the winter.
- STAIR GAMES – If you have a flight of stairs, use them when playing fetch with your pup! Simply toss your pup’s favorite ball or toy up the stairs and have them race up to get it, then bring it back down to you. This is an effective, simple way to boost the intensity of your pup’s play and have them burn more calories than regular fetch!
- TREADMILL – Dog have been using treadmills for years! From rehabilitation to training, they can also be very helpful to burn off excess energy when the weather is just too cold to go outside. Start the treadmill at a very low speed and entice your dog onto it with a treat. When your pup becomes more comfortable walking on the treadmill, you can slowly begin to increase the speed at small intervals. It is important to remember that you must always stay with your pup during this activity and be sure to remove them from the treadmill if they begin to show any signs of anxiety or distress.
- SHOPPING TRIP – Take your pup with you on your next visit to your favorite pet-friendly store. Not only does this allow the both of you to get out of the house for a bit, it will also give your dog some new sights and smells to discover!
- WINTER WONDERLAND – Many dogs absolutely love the snow and jump at the chance to frolic in it! Spending about 30 minutes in the snow will give your pup a great workout that will leave them exhausted. For smaller fur babies, they should enjoy the winter weather in smaller intervals. It is important to keep an eye on your dog and watch for any signs of discomfort. Most importantly, go with your gut. If you feel like your pup will be too cold, keep them indoors! Be sure to use these winter safety tips when taking your pup outside in the snow!
- DOGGIE DAYCARE – What better way to give your pup some much needed exercise and socialization than with a fun and exciting day at Dogtopia? Your pup will enjoy a fun-filled day of safe socialization with other like-minded pups, interactions with our loving team, plenty of exercise and best of all, the opportunity to burn off all that pent-up energy. For more information, contact us at Dogtopia of Miramar at https://www.dogtopia.com/san-diego-miramar/
Although it may be tempting to let your pup hibernate the winter away, it’s important to keep them both mentally and physically active. With these fun and effective activities, your furry family member can stay fit and healthy despite any challenges that winter throws your way!
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