Winter is here!  At least in the parts of the country that get “winter”.  It is always shocking how cold it is, then add in the wind and it seems like the “feel like” temperatures are zero or even below!  During these days, it is too cold to ask your dog to run or spend any length of time outdoors.  According to PetMD, “Once temperatures drop under 20 F, all pet parents need to be aware that their dogs could develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia or frostbite when outside for extended periods of time.”   

So what is a pet parent to do on these chilly days that will drain some energy, entertain, and generally keep our besties happy? Let’s talk about a few options.

If you have a dog who likes to use his nose, the entertainment channel is clear. The “treat hunt” is the way to go. Lace the house with small, low calorie treats, like our GRAIN FREE NIBBLES, (link to 1lb bag), (3 calories/treat). The point of the hunt is entertainment, not weight gain. Depending on how talented your little hunter is, place them inside toys, under beds, and other places where they can’t see them. If you “treat hunt” as a regular activity, make it harder by sequestering him or her someplace where he or she can’t see where you are putting the treats. If your dog is new to this game, or not genetically predisposed to use their nose for such tasks, just place the treats in clear view or in a trail that winds around the house and up and down the stairs.  This activity works your dog physically and mentally.  Win, win!

A lot of people teach their dogs to get on their treadmill or stationary walk pad. This activity will require some training and may not be for all dogs. To make sure everyone is happy and safe you will want to start this activity very slowly and monitor the dog’s progress carefully. A leisurely walk on a treadmill can be a great energy drain if you can get your pooch to buy-in. Try training during the summer and fall before you actually need them to do it in a crunch. Check in with your vet to see if this activity could be right for your dog!

A surprising activity that tires a dog out is getting groomed. It’s unlikely you will happen to have a grooming appointment on the day you are looking for dog entertainment.  But you can spend some time grooming your dog.  The act of staying still for an extended period of time uses their brain and the rubbing, brushing and manipulating their teeth and toes is physically interactive. 

Give your dog something long lasting to chew.  An antler, a raw bone, a non-rawhide rawhide, or a Himalayan cheese stick should all last for a reasonably long period of time and help to tire them out. When experimenting with new chews, always consult with your vet to make sure what you choose is a good selection for your pet. 

You may need to mix and match or repeat some of these activates during the day to keep your bestie happy and calm on these wicked cold days. But won’t we do whatever we have to, to keep them happy?