How to Exercise Your Dog in the Winter

Winter weather can be downright uncomfortable, not just for you, but for your dog as well! However, even when it’s cold outside, your dog still needs their exercise. So, read on to learn how you can give Rover a workout while protecting them from snow and freezing temperatures.

 How Can I Protect My Dog During the Winter?

 During the winter, we recommend that you keep your dog safe outdoors by:

• Bundling up – Not all dogs will tolerate a sweater and booties, but if your dog will, this is a great way to keep him toasty warm while braving the elements. Since they have a built-in fur coat, we may think our pets are well-suited for the cold weather. But sensitive areas like the pads of their feet, ears, and the tips of their tail are as susceptible to frostbite as our own skin. Be watchful for the signs of frostbite, such as blisters and hard, waxy skin.
• Protecting paws – Got a stubborn, bootie-rejecting canine on your hands? After taking them outdoors, don’t forget to clean your pup’s paws off with warm water once you’re back inside to remove salt or ice-melting chemicals.
• Monitoring behavior – Different dogs can tolerate different temperatures. Generally speaking, the dogs that struggle the most outdoors are usually very young or very old, have short or thin coats, and are smaller breed dogs. Watch out for winter hazards as well. It is imperative that you keep any antifreeze solutions or other potentially poisonous substances well out of reach during the winter. And while we call it “salt,” road salt is actually a blend of chemicals that can prove toxic to our pets.

The best way to tell if your dog can handle the cold is to keep a close eye on them outside. If they begin to whine, shiver, slow down, seek out warmth, or hold up one paw at a time, call it quits and head indoors.

 How Can I Exercise My Dog in the Winter?

 To exercise your dog in the winter, we recommend any of the following activities: 

• Walking – You can still walk your dog in the winter, but you’ll just need to make your walks shorter while making sure you monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort.
• Play tug-of-war – You don’t need to take your dog outdoors to get them active this winter. Instead, grab a rope and get a game of tug-of-war going. Your favorite furry friend will love competing to see who’s stronger.
• Use a treadmill – Got a treadmill collecting dust at home? Don’t let it go to waste when Fido can easily put it to good use! Just make sure to keep the treadmill at a comfortable pace for your dog and supervise any treadmill time.
• Schedule a play date – Does Spot have a BFF? If so, why not schedule a date with your dog’s bestie so they have someone to run around with? Doing so will give your dog the opportunity to frolic and have fun, while giving you the chance to catch up with one of your favorite pet parents. Talk about win-win!
• Doggie day care – Your dog doesn’t want to be cooped up all winter long! Fortunately, they don’t have to be. With doggie day care, they can catch up on their exercise while making new canine friends. And as a bonus, they’ll be spoiled rotten by our dog-loving staff once they arrive.
• Take them on a field trip to an indoor dog agility training center – If you are lucky enough to have an indoor training center for dogs near you, definitely take advantage of it. This is the next best thing to being outside. With ramps, tunnels, and other obstacles and courses to run through, your dog will have no shortage of play time and healthy exercise.
• Use this time to teach your pup a new trick – Healthy exercise does not mean intense running for 30 minutes. Simple movements count as healthy exercise too! The winter season is a great time to teach your dog how to sit, stay, roll over, shake, and speak! One way to incorporate training with exercise is to have your pup play a doggie version of hide-and-seek. Create an obstacle course and hide a treat at the end. Your dog will have to seek out the treat by going through the course.
• Purchase a food or treat dispensing toy – These are great for the days when you don’t have the time to keep your dog busy. They can entertain themselves by playing with the toy to get their reward. These are great too because you also get to control how many treats you put inside the toy.

The Importance of Keeping Your Pup Active in the Winter

It’s natural to want to snuggle up indoors during the winter months to keep warm and comfortable until the spring. While both you and your pup may enjoy the coziness of the fireplace and a warm blanket, keeping your dog active during the winter months is extremely important.

Not only will an active effort to stay up and moving with your pup reduce the feeling of boredom, but it is also a key component of a dog’s well-being and overall health. Limiting your dog’s exercise can significantly decrease the quality of their life. It is important to avoid this by making sure they are active most, if not all, days of the week. Big or small, dogs benefit from daily exercise. Depending on the age and breed of your pup, it is usually best to get at least 30 minutes in each day.

Some of the additional reasons to keep your dog active in the winter include:

• Mental stimulation – Similar to humans, the cold winter months can have adverse effects on dogs and cause potentially destructive behaviors. With limited outdoor activities available, it is important to introduce things such as puzzle toys and interactive games to challenge your dog and lessen boredom. Check out some winter toys we recommend to keep your pup active.
• Maintaining physical health – Cardiovascular fitness is crucial for a dog’s well-being and health. With that being said, limited outdoor activity does not mean your pup shouldn’t be moving around. Finding opportunities to take brisk outdoor walks or indoor play sessions will help maintain the physical health of your pup. Benefits of year-round physical activity include building and toning muscle, keeping your dog’s metabolic system functioning properly, maintaining the function of their bones and joints, and more.
• Socialization opportunities – Just like us, dogs need to feel stimulated and interact outside of their own home. Look for opportunities to join indoor dog playgroups, attend dog-friendly events, and organize playdates with fellow pups. Socialization can help dogs avoid the winter blues and lessen the feelings of isolation.
• Weight management – The nature of the holidays typically brings an increased number of tasty treats and table scraps which can contribute to excessive weight gain. Maintaining an active lifestyle using some of the tips provided above will help regulate your pup’s weight and promote an active lifestyle. 

FAQs on Keeping Your Dog Active in the Winter

What are some indoor activities I can do with my dog?

There are many ways to get creative and make some fun for you and your pup to promote an active lifestyle. Some of the activities we recommend are playing fetch, using a laser pointer, engaging in some hide and seek, and getting a puzzle feeder.

All of these are great ways to promote brain stimulation and activity in between cozying up on the couch.

Is it safe to take my dog for a walk in the cold?

Generally, it is safe to walk your dog in the cold weather, but it is important to consider the temperature and your dog’s breed. Gear such as doggy sweaters or boots can be great tools to keep your pup comfortable.

You’ll also want to adjust the duration of the walks depending on the temperature and your dog’s tolerance to the cold.

Are there specific winter sports suitable for dogs?

There are various winter sports for dogs to enjoy such as hiking, snowshoeing, and even skijoring. However, we would recommend consulting with your local vet to ensure your dog is the right age and breed, and in good enough health to participate in these activities.

Does my dog’s age have an influence on how much exercise they need?

In short, yes. Typically, older or less active dogs tend to be more sensitive to the cold so it is recommended to partake in shorter and gentler activities when it is cold outside. As noted above, you’ll also want to provide additional warmth with sweaters, boots, or scarves to keep your pup comfortable during these activities.

If you want to learn more about how to care for your pup in the winter months, check out our blog post on cold-weather pet activities.

Categories: Dog Daycare, Dogs, Pet Safety, Tips for Your Pets