Pets and pet owners know it’s been a long, cold, frosty, icy, snowy winter. And, it’s not over yet!
So what does this mean for dogs that are used to going for regular walks, runs and meet up’s at the park?
For some of us like me – a small dog – a pug, it means less exercise because the weather is too frigid, the sidewalks are too icy and covered with salt that burn my paws and the snow can at times be too high for me to manoeuvre, it’s what I call “small dog problems” being to low to the ground therefore snow reaches my belly easier than larger/taller breeds.
But just because I can’t get out to do the activities I would normally do in nicer weather, doesn’t mean I do nothing at all. That would be what my humom would call “a recipe for disaster”, because a bored, inactive dog, can become “naughty”, get into trouble due to boredom, will gain weight which is not good for my health, and my mind needs to be stimulated in some form or another.
To keep me busy during these bad weather days, we will go to a local pet store and walk up and down the isles, visit with staff and other dogs that may be in the store and of course I get lots of attention and cuddles while there, which I love. If I’m really lucky, I may even get a new toy or treat!
Throughout the day, we will play fetch in the house ( I can do this because of my size), and play with toys that keep me busy, and of course there are the cats! What dog doesn’t like a good game of hide and seek with their cat! 😉
So for those of you who have the challenge with the weather and what we (pets and humans) can do to get us through to the spring, this episode of the Ontario SPCA Animals’ Voice Pawdcast is a must.
Ontario SPCA Animals’ Voice Pawdcast – Indoor Activities for Dogs
In this episode of the Animals’ Voice Pawdcast, the Ontario SPCA speaks with Brandon Forder, Chief Operating Officer at Canadian Pet Connection. With the cold weather in full swing, Brandon let’s us know what some good indoor activities for dogs are, why it’s important to stimulate your pet and some of the health benefits for pets participating in these activities.
Have a listen to the pawdcast on Sound Cloud by visiting this link: https://soundcloud.com/ospca/indoor-activities-for-dogs
For more information on Canadian Pet Connection, please visit http://www.canadianpetconnection.com/.
