Winter is here, and the temperatures are dropping but your pets still need exercise and playtime throughout the cold months. Here are some tips to keep your furry friend entertained this winter!
Safety
When taking your pet outside, you want to make sure that they are warm and protected from the elements. Many factors can determine how comfortable your pet is in colder temperatures, including age, activity level, health, and coat. Pets are just as susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite as humans are, so it’s important to dress them appropriately and monitor them to make sure they are comfortable!
- Get them a winter coat: A jacket with a waterproof outer shell and warm insulating layers will keep them warm and dry during outdoor activities.
- Keep their feet protected: You can try massaging petroleum jelly, paw protectants, or booties to prevent salt or other possible irritants from getting on their paws. Washing their feet after entering from outside can also remove any chemicals that might cause irritation. Use pet-safe salt whenever possible.
- Avoid having off-leash: Avoiding having pets off-leash allows for more control during walks to keep them off of frozen lakes, ponds, and other water that might not be able to hold their weight. The snow can also cause dogs to become more easily lost since it can cause them to lose their scent if they wander too far.
- Preventing Poisoning and Injuries:
- Deicers are toxic if ingested and can cause irritations and chemical burns on the pet’s paw pads. If needed, look for safer ice melters made for homes with pets, but still be cautious since they can still cause GI upset if ingested.
- Make sure to clean up any antifreeze spills or leaks thoroughly. Most antifreeze contains chemicals that can lead to kidney failure.
- With the colder temperatures, rodents and other critters will be trying to find their way in to find warmth and shelter. If you are going to be using rodenticides, make sure they are out of reach from pets to make sure they do not ingest them and suffer poisoning symptoms.
A good rule of thumb while being outside with your pet is that if it is too cold for you, more than likely, it is too cold for your pet!
Winter Fun
Keeping your pets entertained during the colder months can be challenging, especially when it gets darker earlier. Here are some indoor and outdoor activities to try with your four-legged companions.
With the colder temperatures, rodents and other critters will be trying to find their way in to find warmth and shelter. If you are going to be using rodenticides, make sure they are out of reach from pets to make sure they do not ingest them and suffer poisoning symptoms.
- Treat Puzzles: Maybe you or your family purchased a puzzle toy for your pet this holiday season. It’s a perfect time to put it to good use! Or maybe you have some old magazines and newspapers that you can crumple up and hide treats in. You can even use an old egg carton as a puzzle for them to solve! Any puzzle toys are a great way to make mealtime more entertaining and provide mental stimulation that can wear out your pet.
- Training Sessions: Running your pet through the basic commands of sit, stay, and down can be another fun activity to get your pet moving. Or you can use this time to learn some new tricks!
- Nose Work: Inside or outside, hiding treats or toys for your pet to sniff out is a great way to get their brain working! Using the snow as a form of enrichment, you can bury treats and toys in the snow or mounds and let your pet dig for them. Or hide them around the house in different places for your pet to search. Both ways make your pet utilize problem-solving skills as well as a good form of exercise.
- Winter Walks: When the weather allows for walks, try switching up your paths to introduce your pet to new smells and surroundings to switch things up.
- Winter Sports: Cross Country Skiing, cross-country running, and snowshoeing are all winter sports that you can bring your dog along with the right equipment to keep them safe.
Hopefully, the snow and the cold don’t let you miss out on memories with your pets this season. There is still much to do, and you can get creative with games and ways to engage their minds indoors and outdoors!