Keeping your dog active during the cold, winter months is challenging. But it’t rocket science. There are a number of ways you can optimize their time outside, even when it’s freezing. The key is finding activities that suit your dog’s energy level and motivation.
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| How To Keep Your Dog Active During Cold Weather: Tips From A Professional Dog Walker Train your dog |
The professional dog walker we spoke to for this article has years of experience helping dogs stay fit and happy when the mercury falls. Here are some pro tips on how you can keep your pooch moving even when the weather is at its worst.
This is an informative article. Nodisk One is not permitted to make a diagnosis or recommend any form of veterinary care. If your pet is in pain or ill, we recommend that you take him to the vet.
Go for runs with your dog
If your dog is an especially active breed, or if you have a particularly energetic dog, transitioning to a running routine together may be a good option for increasing your dog’s daily activity. Running is a form of aerobic exercise, which means that it builds your dog’s endurance, increases their cardiac strength, and improves their lung capacity.
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| Go for runs with your dog |
Depending on your dog’s breed, running may also help reduce the risk of joint diseases and injuries. If you’re not sure how your dog would feel about running, you may want to ease them into it. Begin by taking your dog on a short walk and then running a short distance with them at the end of the walk. Build up your distance over time until you are able to run with your dog for 30 minutes.
See if your local dog park has a winter schedule
Not all dog parks shut down in the winter, but many do. If your dog park is open all year round, you are in luck. You can make winter walks at the dog park the main focus of your dog’s exercise routine. If your dog park is only open in the warmer months, you can still use it in the winter, but you’ll want to adjust your strategy.
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| See if your local dog park has a winter schedule |
In the winter, it’s likely that the park will be less crowded. This may impact the number of dogs that want to play with your pooch. It also means you’ll have a smaller pool of owners to socialise with. Therefore, you may want to focus on walking your pooch on the path in the dog park, rather than letting them play with other dogs. If you have a puppy, you may want to avoid the park entirely.
Bundle up your canine companion
As with humans, dogs will lose some of their natural activity level when the weather is cold. You can help counteract this decrease in activity by dressing your dog in warm clothes. You can purchase dog coats from pet stores. Alternatively, you can create a doggy coat from a large t-shirt, fleece blanket, or other pieces of warm fabric.
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| Bundle up your canine companion |
Make sure the coat fits your dog’s body tightly so that there are no loose or flapping pieces that could get caught on anything. Similarly, make sure that your dog’s paws stay warm. If your dog goes outside, they will walk on cold, hard pavement that can be very uncomfortable on their paws. If you are able to, bring an extra pair of shoes with you when you take your pooch out. You can purchase dog shoes online or make your own out of socks.
Take your dog swimming
Yes, you read that right. Taking your dog swimming in a heated indoor pool can be a great way to keep them active in winter. If you and your pooch are fit enough, you can even try competing in Canine Swimming Competitions (CSC). If you aren’t quite at that level, don’t worry, you don’t need to train for a CSC to take your pooch swimming in winter.
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| Take your dog swimming |
Just make sure you take them to a heated indoor pool. You don’t want to take your pooch in cold water during the winter as it can cause health problems, especially for older dogs. A few laps in a heated pool can be a great way to help keep your dog active and fit in the winter.
Walking is walking, no matter the weather
You may think that in the winter you’ll have to give up walking your dog. This isn’t the case. Walking is one of the best ways to keep your dog active in the cold weather. As long as you are prepared for the conditions, there’s no reason why you can’t continue walking your dog throughout the year.
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| Walking is walking, no matter the weather |
Some tips for continuing to walk your dog during winter include dressing appropriately, bringing water with you, and keeping your walks short. Make sure to bundle up with warm layers, and always wear closed-toe shoes. It’s also important to make sure you have your dog on a leash. You don’t want your dog to slip on ice or get hit by a car.
Play outside
Your dog will probably enjoy playing in the snow, and it will help them discharge some of their extra energy. Check your dog's paws frequently for any cracking or bleeding if you let them play outside. As a result of the rock salt that is used to add traction on icy, slippery sidewalks and walkways, your dog's paws may become irritated.
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| Dog Play outside |
When your dog returns inside from a walk, check their paws for debris or ice buildup, and wipe them down with a warm, wet cloth. Maintaining neatly trimmed hair between their pads will help prevent ice buildup, which will only cause more trouble.
Train your dog
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| Train your dog |
Being cooped up inside is a great chance to practice your obedience. Grab some treats, a clicker, and your patience, and start practicing some commands. Reiterate the fundamental instructions, such as Sit, Paw, and Down, before moving on to Come, Wait, Drop it, and Speak. Training is a good way to bond with others and is good for both physical and mental stimulation.
Teaching your dog new tricks
Teaching your dog new tricks is one of the best ways to keep them entertained, active and stimulated. Why not teach your dog a clever trick? Dogs love to learn. Tricks that ensure both physical and mental exercise include rolling over, catching balls or toys in their mouths, and balancing treats or toys on their noses.
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| Teaching your dog new tricks |
This is not only advantageous to them, but it can also be advantageous to you! Teach your pet how to retrieve specific items from around the house or put toys away. Whatever the situation, your pet will enjoy learning something new all the time!
Exercise Doga (Dog Yoga)
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| Exercise Doga (Dog Yoga) |
Yoga with your dog is known as doga. It emphasizes stretching, meditation, and canine massage. Doga does have other advantages, such as teaching your pet to remain calm, relax, and balance, even though they might not be getting the same kind of exercise as taking a long walk. There might be doga classes available in your town or city. If not, YouTube has instructional videos.
Conclusion
Keeping your dog active during the cold weather is challenging, but it’s also important. Dogs who don’t get enough exercise are more likely to gain weight, get sick, and get injured. Exercise helps dogs stay healthy, happy, and healthy. When the weather is cold, it’s even more important to keep your dog moving.
Keeping your dog active in the winter can be a challenge, but it’s an important part of taking care of your dog. To help your dog stay active, you can go for runs, take walks, or take your dog swimming. You can also give your dog access to fresh air, or play indoors. No matter what you choose to do, keeping your dog active and fit is important for their health and happiness.
Only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, are used by Nodisk One to substantiate the information in our articles.
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