play & EXERCISE

Fighting Winter Weight Gain

by Anne Marie Carey, DVM

Is Your Pooch Packing on the Pounds?

WINTER CAN BE THE MOST DIFFICULT season for both dogs and their owners to stay in shape. This is especially true if you live in areas that get a lot of snow. There are just so many reasons not to exercise our pets in the winter. The weather can be inclement, it’s slippery, and if it’s not stormy, it’s just plain cold! It gets darker earlier, and we tend to feel more tired and drained. All of this leads to lower energy, lower motivation, and this in turn, affects our dogs, who rely on us for exercise. Unfortunately, low activity levels do not only affect our dogs’ waistlines. Boredom can lead to anxiety
and can have very negative effects on your dog’s personality.
Simply putting the dog out in the backyard is often insufficient, because dogs may feel the lack of motivation to wade through snow without being able to chase a toy or have a friend
to play with. So how do you summon enough enthusiasm to exercise your dog? And even
if you can tear yourself away from that cup of hot chocolate and that warm fire, what exactly do you do?
First of all, remember your dog’s limitations. If they weren’t the most athletic in the summer months, if they’re older or have health problems, do not push them beyond their
capabilities. Dogs can find winter exercise exhausting. Consider the effort involved in wading through snow. A little can go a long way, especially since dogs do not come equipped with snowshoes.

When going for winter walks, keep plenty of water on hand for your
pup. Make sure he is warm enough (he may need a sweater) and take good care of his paws. Salt can cause dry paws that may crack and bleed.

Play fetch

A simple exercise to try, if your dog loves to chase things, is to throw a toy from the comfort
of your porch into your backyard. Leaping through the snow takes lots of energy. Just be sure to use something that’s visible and won’t sink too deeply into a snow bank.

Dog parks

Some dog parks are maintained in the winter, so check it out. It may be that you can hop in your warm car, and head to a fun location where your dog can interact with other furry friends.

Change the diet

If you find that your dog is less active and is starting to look a little thicker around the middle, you may need to take a look at his diet. If fewer calories are being burned, then fewer calories need to be consumed. Consider the number of treats your dog gets. These can be very important for your dog and for the bonding you share. Breaking treats into pieces can make a big difference in diet, while still satisfying your dog’s desire for something delicious.
You can also try snacks like baby carrots (still in moderation, however). When it comes to cutting back on the amount of food your dog receives, it can be confusing to know if you are feeding too much or too little. Your veterinarian can help you work out how much food
your dog needs based on the desired weight, type of food, and activity level. As well, your vet can help you to tailor an exercise routine to your dog’s health limitations, age and breed.
Unfortunately, sometimes it just comes down to turning off the television, putting on the boots, and heading out for a chilly walk around the block.

Walking In a winter wonderland

If your dog is normally very active, involve them in your favourite winter activities –
snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, etc. Remember that your dog is working much
harder than you while walking through the snow, so keep an eye on his energy level.
Don’t forget to bring lots of water! Assuming this is a new activity for your dog, be patient. Start slowly and realize that a walk around the block may be more suited to your pup than a brisk ski in the woods.