Winter is almost here, and every morning, people awaken hoping to glimpse a world blanketed in snow. Unfortunately, while the sight of a wintery wonderland fills most with seasonal cheer, it presents a formidable challenge for the dog parents dedicated to keeping their four-legged friends happy and healthy.
“Exercising with my two dogs brings me such a sense of joy,” reflects Jessica Krueger, Senior Marketing Manager at ZIWI®. “Even when we are stuck indoors, the gratitude and excitement in their eyes is priceless.”
Why dogs need daily exercise, even in winter
Of course, most pet parents are already aware that daily exercise benefits their dog’s physical well-being. It helps dogs maintain a healthy weight, reduces their risk of chronic diseases, and promotes cardiovascular health.
However, some do not know that daily exercise contributes to a dog’s mental and emotional well-being, too. Exercise provides a needed outlet for dogs’ natural behaviors, such as running, chasing, and exploring.
When tempted to reduce outdoor activities due to the winter weather, pet guardians must remember that neglecting consistent exercise leads to destructive behaviors and anxiety. Winter exercise also staves off seasonal depression, keeping canine companions happy and energetic.
“Dogs are the ultimate exercise buddies,” says Krueger. “They’re up for any game — indoors or out. Their contagious energy gets me moving even on the coldest winter days.”
Indoor exercise ideas to keep dogs active
When the snow piles up and temperatures fall, creative exercise becomes key. Interactive toys and puzzles can provide mental stimulation and physical activity. Toys that dispense treats keep dogs engaged by encouraging them to solve a challenge to earn rewards.
Tug-of-war is a classic way for pet guardians to engage their dog’s muscles. This game is especially fun for high-energy breeds. Before challenging their four-legged friend, pet parents will want to make sure they have a durable toy designed for tugging. This protects a dog’s teeth and gums.
Pet parents can get their dogs up and moving with a time-honored round of hide and seek. They can up the challenge by hiding somewhere unexpected in the house, calling the dog’s name, and rewarding them with affection or treats when they come running.
On cold winter days, pet guardians can even create an agility course in the living room using household items. They can transform pillows, chairs, and blankets into tunnels, jumps, and weave poles. Next, they simply need to lead their dog through the course and encourage them to navigate the obstacles with a treat or toy.
Stairs can become mini exercise arenas for dogs. Pet parents can encourage their dog to run up and down the stairs by throwing a toy or treat. This activity helps burn off energy and build muscle. However, pet guardians should start slowly to ensure their dog is comfortable with the stairs.
For a fun round of indoor fetch, pet guardians just need a soft toy and a long hallway. They can add extra mental stimulation by rolling the toy in unexpected directions to keep it interesting.
Winter is the perfect time to exercise a dog’s brain by teaching new tricks. Pet parents can start with classic tricks like sit, stay, shake, and rollover, then graduate their canine companion to tougher challenges. Short training sessions keep the learning fun.
Ensuring active dogs get enough nourishment
Active dogs, especially those given new exercise routines or increased activity levels during winter, need proper nourishment to support their energy and health. A well-balanced, high-quality diet is key to overall health. Pet guardians can look for high-quality dog food that lists meat as the first ingredient and is free from artificial additives.
“During a vigorous indoor exercise session, I like to give my two dogs an energy boost with nutritious ZIWI air-dried treats,” notes Krueger. “Each morning and evening, I feed them that same ZIWI recipe as a high-quality meal. Remember, when it comes to exercise, dogs are a lot like us. They need to recharge before the next adventure.”
Even in winter, hydration is essential. Pet guardians should ensure that their dogs always have access to fresh water. It is necessary to replenish water bowls frequently due to heating systems that reduce humidity.
Maintaining an active lifestyle for dogs during snowy days doesn’t have to be a headache. By implementing creative indoor exercises and ensuring proper nourishment, pet guardians can keep their dogs healthy, happy, and engaged throughout the winter months. Their effort to provide daily exercise and balanced nutrition will contribute significantly to their canine companions’ overall quality of life. It’s time to embrace the challenges of winter and enjoy a whole new season of fun together.