Cold weather presents a challenge to pets and owners alike. As temperatures drop in the winter months, motivation to get outside wanes. Truth be told, the cold is often more of a deterrent to owners than pets. Most animals, except maybe shih tzus and hamsters, love whatever weather the planet can throw at them. Still, our furry friends need to get their heart rates up just like we do. To help keep them active in the cold, Hazelview brings you a list of our favourite ways to get your pet’s blood pumping this winter.
Bundle Up
There’s a vast selection of pet attire now available. With everything from parkas to booties, in all manner of styles and colours, there’s nothing standing between your pet and a cozy insulated winter walk.
Interval Walking
To pump up your heart rates without freezing your face off, try a high intensity interval walk with your pet. Try one minute of walking, followed by a 20 second jog. Repeat the cycle for a total of five (more) rounds.
Indoor Tag
It doesn’t take much to work a dog up into a frothy frenzy. Be it toys or treats, balls or straight up tail pulling, you can whip Fido into a house or apartment raging run. Try playing tag or chase, throw a ball, or play catch.
Take the Stairs
Another condo and split level advantage is stairs. You'll both get a workout when you take your dog up and down the stairs a bunch of times for some in-house exercise. Or try taking the elevator down, and the stairs back up.
Skijoring
Skijoring is a combination of cross country skiing and dog sledding. It basically amounts to your dog towing you while on skis. Just don’t hook up to your bichon frise.
Doggie Gyms
Yep. They exist. Indoor dog gyms are a real thing. They'll help your pet get in fighting shape in no time, indoors.
Laser Pointers
Laser pointers are fantastic dog (and cat) entertainers. You might need to rile up your pet first to get him or her into it, but it otherwise makes for easy inside exercise.
Dog Walkers
You could go the easiest winter route and hire a dog walker. Unless you have a hairless chihuahua, most dogs love the cold and can at least muster a stroll around the hood.
Off Leash Parks
Nothing makes a dog forget his/her troubles - and obedience training - faster than an off-leash park. Bundle up and head on down to give your pet a winter rush. Bonus: you might even make some friends.
Hazelview hopes that this article helps keep your pet active this winter. For more information about Hazelview Properties in your city, please visit our website.