Eight ways to exercise your dog in bad winter weather

Most pet owners don’t realize that their pet is carrying extra weight, yet in the United States, close to 60% of dogs are overweight or obese. As nasty winter weather sets in, it’s easy for a dog to gain extra weight as a result of reduced exercise time outside.

Dogs need a minimum of 20-30 minutes of daily aerobic activity or exercise. Try to engage your dog for at least 10-15 minutes twice a day. This can be achieved through brisk walks, a short jog or indoor play. If your dog isn’t used to this much exercise, start slowly. If your dog is older, has health issues or has been inactive for a long period, check with your veterinarian to develop an exercise plan that will best suit your pet.

During bad weather in the winter or extreme weather conditions, you can keep your dog’s exercise going with alternates to outdoor walks. Here are eight ideas to keep your dog active on blustery winter days: 

1. Stair climbing. Stair climbing can be a great exercise for dogs. Encourage your dog to go up and down the stairs to eat their meals. For dogs that have painful arthritis, hip dysplasia, a heart condition or are a brachycephalic breed (e.g., bulldogs, boxers, Boston terriers and pugs), stair climbing is not recommended. 
   
2. Swimming or hydrotherapy. If you have a dog that loves the water, swimming is a great, low-impact exercise. There are pet fitness centers that offer hydrotherapy or aquatherapy for dogs by trained personnel.
   
3. Visiting pet-friendly hardware or pet stores. A trip to the hardware or pet store can be a lot of fun for you and your dog and get you both moving. If your dog is on a weight-loss diet, make sure to bring along your own low-calorie treats so you keep it healthy and fun!
   
4. Doggy daycare. Doggy daycares provide a great way for your dog to get regular exercise. From running around play areas to playing a game of fetch with caregivers, daycare ensures your dog gets the exercise that they need.
   
5. Indoor games. Playing with stuffies, balls, squeaky toys or anything your dog finds interesting can keep your dog active. 
   
6. Treadmill. A human treadmill on a slow setting, or a specially designed doggy treadmill, can be a great way for your inquisitive and confident dog to get exercise. Start slow and follow your dog’s lead, as some might be hesitant.
   
7. Slow feeders, interactive feeders and puzzle mats. Puzzle toys and interactive feeders make your dog think about how to access their food and often require activity to get the food out. Indoor treat hunts and “sniffaris” can also provide your dog with both mental and physical exercise.  
   
8. Obstacle course. You can use regular household items to create an indoor obstacle course for your dog. Train your dog to jump through hula hoops, create “weave poles” by placing objects spaced evenly on the ground (e.g., pylons, empty jugs, pillows—get creative!) or create jumps using two stands (e.g., laundry baskets) and a pole (e.g., broom handle). Note: Arthritic dogs should not be asked to jump.

Keeping your dog active has many benefits. It helps with weight control, may prevent muscular and other diseases, curtails behavioral problems and, best of all, makes your dog happy!

Looking for different ways to engage your pet? Find out how exercising the mind is still exercise! >>