Winter Weather Got Your Dog Packing On A Few Extra Pounds? How To Keep Them Active When The Weather Is Bad
If the long winter has kept your dog inside, and he or she is starting to pack on a few extra pounds, it's time to find a way to get your dog some much-needed exercise. It can be tough to get your dog outside when the weather is so bad. It can be even harder when you work all day. Finding the time, and the right weather, can be downright impossible during the winter. That's where you need to find new and inventive ways to keep your dog active. The last thing you want is an obese dog come spring. You might not realize this, but obesity can be quite unhealthy for your dog. To help keep your dog active during the winter, here are four simple tricks you can add to your routine.
Hire a Dog Walker
If you just don't have the time to get your dog out during the week, even when the weather is good, you need to consider hiring a dog walker. A professional dog walker will come to your home several times a week to take your dog out for a leisurely stroll. One of the benefits of hiring a dog walker is that they can take advantage of the calm weather while you're stuck at work. That way, your dog gets the exercise it needs, and you don't need to rearrange your schedule.
Enroll Them in Doggy Daycare
If the weather in your area is bad all winter long, it's time to look into a doggy daycare center near you. With a doggy day care facility, your dog will be able to get plenty of exercise all day long, and be around other dogs. This is particularly important if your dog suffers from separation anxiety, or just doesn't like being cooped up all day long while you're at work.
Find a Dog-Friendly Outdoor Mall
If there isn't a dog park near you, do some research to find a dog-friendly outdoor mall near you. While you won't be able to enjoy the outdoor mall when the weather is foul, you will be able to take advantage of it on those weekends when the weather is more agreeable. One of the great things about taking your dog for a walk at an outdoor mall is that you'll be able to window shop at the same time.
Invest in a Canine Treadmill
If the weather is simply too bad to get your dog outside for some exercise, bring the exercise inside. Invest in a canine treadmill. With a canine treadmill in the house, your dog will be able to get the exercise it needs, without being exposed to the harsh weather. You can also invest in a treadmill for yourself, too. That way, you can both get the exercise you need.
If your dog has packed on a few pounds this winter, use the tips provided here to keep it active and fit. Talk to a veterinarian, like those at Elizabethton Veterinary Clinic, for more suggestions.