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When you get a pet dog, you know you are responsible for his well-being at all times. Your pooch has very few requirements, but they’re all important. Tending to his physical and mental needs goes a long way in keeping him happy and healthy. And when your dog is happy, it means you’re happy too! One of the greatest joys of having a pet pooch is taking him outdoors, running amok and playing with him. All dogs need to exercise in order to be physically fit. A lazy, inactive dog is an overweight, unhealthy dog. But because we’re close on the heels of the winter season, getting active may become tougher. When the weather is too cold to step outside, and the roads and the parks are covered in snow and ice, how do you get your dog to move his muscles? Would you rather stay indoors and let him turn into an obese mutt?
Pet obesity is becoming a common phenomenon in most countries. It is a disease which is characterized by excessive body fat in pets. Dogs that are overfed, or do not get enough exercise are prone to retaining their weight and ultimately becoming obese. Obesity, even if mild, can have adverse effects on the health of your pet(s) such as reducing their lifespan. Apart from affecting multiple organs in the body, obesity also affects the bones, the joints, the digestive, as well as the respiratory system in your dog. How common is Pet Obesity?While obesity can strike dogs of all ages, it is more prevalent among middle-aged (those around 5 to 10 years of age) and older dogs. Indoor dogs are at a higher risk of becoming obese for obvious reasons, unless they’re active. Causes of Pet Obesity
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There are several causes of obesity in pets, with the most common being an imbalance in the caloric intake and their combustion i.e. when your pet consumes more calories than he burns. Unhealthy food, an irregular diet, and frequent calorific treats also promote obesity in your furry friend.Obesity becomes increasingly common as a dog ages due to the decrease in his metabolic levels as well as the inability to exercise. Other causes include neutering, hyperadrenocorticism, hypothyroidism, and insulinoma.Worried about how you’re going to manage to keep your pet fit and active this winter? We’ve got a few answers.
Dogs enjoy playing games with their owners and it is a great way for them to bond with each other. Playing indoor games such as hide-and-seek is a great way to get your dog up and about as well to keep him mentally stimulated. You could hide somewhere close by and make him come looking after you. Toss a treat away from yourself and hide as he goes to get it. This game can expend your dog’s energy as he runs around searching for you; plus, it’s good for reinforcing the “come” command.Another great game to play is creating an indoor obstacle course for him to navigate his way through. Place treats strategically along the course to motivate him to fully clear it.
It’s no secret that dogs have a keen sense of smell. You can use that to your advantage and conjure up an activity like a treasure hunt where you place his food in a particular area without his knowledge and egg him on to sniff around and find it. Hide his meals in a box, a Kong Wobbler, or a Buster Ball and make him work to get his meals.
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Dog classes are a great place for your pooch to feel entertained and active in the cold weather. Enroll him in an agility or obedience class, or make him take swimming lessons. Not only will doing so keep him fit, but also teach him a new skill. There is also the option of signing him up for ‘Doga’ which means practicing yoga with pet dogs. Make sure these classes are accessible (location-wise) in the cold climate. Such enrolments go a long way in engaging your dog’s mind and helping him release pent up energy. Apart from that, these classes also provide owners with opportunities to socialize their dogs. You too can learn a few pet tricks and tips from them and try them with your canine buddy at home.
Yes, it may be freezing outside, but braving the frost for just 30 minutes a day is worth the effort to keep your precious pooch active in the winter. Remember, he still needs his fresh air and exercise. In any case, unless you have potty-trained your dog, you will need to take him outside several times in the day to do his business. Turn these breaks into short walking sessions to keep him active.Do keep him warm when you take him into the chilly outdoors, though. Cover him in warm dog clothes with extra socks and jackets to make sure he’s comfortable. Make sure you’ve got a good grip on his leash before you step outside. Walk him briskly (to keep warm) around the yard a few times.
As mentioned, there are a number of tricks and training lessons you can practice with Scooby at home. Start simple and teach him to sit, stay, stand, shake hands and move on to something more complex like teaching him to roll over. Learning these tricks will encourage good and friendly behavior in your dog, and will also help him bond with you. Practice these tricks with him every day for about 15 minutes. These sessions will surely be fun for all those involved. ConclusionIf you expect your dog to be a faithful friend to you, you have to be a loyal friend to him too. He won’t ask for much, but the little attention and care you give him will be returned in double the quantity. Do make it a point to take good care of your furry friend this winter with the above tips and watch him warm the cockles of your heart with his unconditional love and gratitude.