Exercise With Your Pet – Even in Winter

Winter! It’s cold. It’s damp. It’s gloomy. Your dog is feeling it just like you are. Winter’s not exactly a walk in the park but a walk in the park is just what your dog may need. Pets need exercise – even in bad weather,

This time of year we hear concerns expressed over the weight and health of pets, a serious issue that cannot be pushed off to summer. One of the most important priorities for your pet’s health is to maintain an ideal body weight.

At the intersection of diet and exercise is where a path will lead to good health for your pet. Consider the following.

Remember to Manage Calories

Start with nourishment. Just like people, dogs tend to put on weight in winter. Exercise drops off but food intake doesn’t. Dial back on portion size as well as treats.

Get the rest of the family on board with the plan. The weak link is the family member who slips human food or treats to your dog. You know who it is and so does your dog.

For more help, check out the Battle of the Bulge, our analysis of pet obesity and its dangers, to learn more about the risks of obesity and what to do about it.

Find Ways to Increase Activity

When weather allows, get your dog out for a walk. Make it a safe walk. Avoid deep puddles that can hide broken glass, foxtails or other harmful hazards. Beware of slipping both for her and yourself. If she will tolerate it, consider a raincoat. Not only will it keep her dry, it will help prevent that wet, smelly aftereffect.

If the elements are too severe to go outside, implement an indoor program for your dog.  Create an obstacle course for her to jump over and chase a toy. This applies to cats too! Keeping Your Cat Slim, another article on our website, provides direction on diet and exercise for cats.

Mental Stimulation Matters Too

It’s not just about the exercise. A healthy pet needs both physical and mental stimulation.  Give her a puzzle to solve. Teaching basic commands, sit, stand, down, come and heel, and practicing them over and over again become a physical workout for your dog. Let her chase a ball over obstacles you have placed. If she is up to it, cavaletti rails will really challenge her physically and mentally.

The combination of the physical activity and the social interaction of working together benefits your dog’s mental health. Be present with your dog whether walking in the winter or summer. Lose the ear buds and talk to her. She needs to hear “heel” and your other voice commands. She needs to hear your praise, too.

A word of caution. If you detect a significant leap in your dog’s weight or if she has been largely inactive, schedule a physical exam with us before launching a new regimen. Our veterinarian (DVM) will examine her musculoskeletal and neurologic systems. Once you have a sense of her overall condition, we can help you set objectives for nutrition and exercise.