Friskey Business

How to make sure your Fido gets enough play time when it's chilly outside.

 

It might still be relatively cold outside, but it’s a great time of year to get outside and enjoy the longer days with your pets.

Our pets rely on us to take them out for exercise. Failure to do so can result in boredom, frustration, lack of fitness and the dreaded pet obesity.

Most dogs require a daily walk. In spring, with its fickle weather, this can be a challenge for both you (the owner) and dog. I recommend a warm, waterproof coat that is well fitting for your pooch. It is important that it fits well otherwise you will spend most of the walk collecting and rearranging it. There are some wonderful coats available from your vet. Most of them are tried and tested on our own pets, so we can recommend them with confidence.

Walk when you are fresh and have the highest energy level. Most pet owners have a preference for morning, lunchtime or evening walks. My experience with evening walks is that it is very easy to ‘postpone’ them due to inclement weather. If you are walking in the dark, please make sure you and your pet can be seen by wearing reflective vests. There are also some wonderful flashing and reflective collars available which enhance visibility.

The weekends are a great time to catch up on missed exercise. Take your dog to the park, the lake or other pet-friendly exercise area. Frisbees and launch-a-balls are a great way to get dogs moving. It is always important to warm up your dog first with a gentle walk beforehand, otherwise you risk an injury.

Over the cooler months, pets tend to exercise less even within their own section. Be aware of this and plan to cut down on their calorie intake. If they are 20 percent less active – then they require 20 percent less food. A low calorie option for winter can also be a great idea to combat pet obesity. Some vet brands of food contain 20-40 percent fewer calories than the standard brands of food. These are great for keeping trim and maintaining pets’ mobility. Ask your vet to assess your pet’s weight and recommend a healthy alternative for it. This service is usually free of charge.

Maintaining exercise is an important part of owning a pet. Get them out and about – they really will love you for it.

Top Tips

• Plan exercise in advance for your pet. Schedule time and catch up if days are missed.
• Make the outings fun.
• Have coats available for cold and wet days.
• Take along toys to enhance motivation.
• Reward yourself as well as your pet for sticking to a healthy lifestyle choice.

Dr Heidi Ward-McGrath BVSc
vetcare@xtra.co.nz