Winter no wonderland for many pets

Our pets have fur coats. Some have better fur coats than others but, in general, they have some protection from the weather.

Some breeds, such as huskies, malamutes, Great Pyrenees, Bernese mountain dogs and others were built for Winnipeg winters. Properly maintained, their coats will keep them warm and cozy, regardless of the temperatures. I have many clients who own dogs that go outside at 20 below and won’t come back in.

And then there are dogs like Leia, our Frenchie, who races down to the end of the ramp, pees, and runs right back up, even at -5 C. Meanwhile Rey, our Lab, wanders around the backyard, only coming in with the promise of a treat.

When properly outfitted, both can walk for extended periods. Leia needs more than the simple coat we put on Rey. She gets her puffy coat and usually a hat to keep the wind out of her ears. If it is warmer, she wears just her balloon boots but if it’s colder, she gets socks first, then the balloon boots. With that gear in place, she will take her regular walk and get her business done (she doesn’t like to poop in the yard for some reason — I guess she likes to make Mommy carry it around).

Sometimes the walk takes us around a few blocks in the neighborhood, or a trip to the off-leash park, if the snow isn’t fresh and deep. Either way, that winter exercise is as important mentally as it physically. On the days it’s too cold to venture out, even with play in the yard and indoors, they do get restless, especially Rey. And when Rey is restless, everyone in the house knows, and it can put everyone in the same boat.

Many people use treadmills to give pets winter exercise and, while pet-specific treadmills are available, simply stretching a towel from the front post to the back post of the handrail and clipping it in place can keep a pet on-track on treadmills built for people.

Cats who like to go outdoors can get their nose out of joint when it’s snowy and cold outside. Our cat, Moonlight, occasionally goes out for a few minutes, and it’s fun to watch him head out when there is new snow – the paw lift and shake is a hoot. But even going outside doesn’t stop him from coming back in and checking every window in the house, just in case it’s summer outside one of them. It is hilarious to watch him climb up my office chair and push the curtain aside to see outside, only to be disappointed that it’s winter there, too.

Pets can get cabin fever as easily as we do, so figuring out ways to keep them (and us) active inside during these upcoming cold snaps is important. Interactive toys such as treat balls, snuffle mats, puzzles, stuffed Kongs and the like can give a bit of engagement when going outdoors is not an option. Even an additional pizzle, collagen stick or duck foot can satisfy the mental side of your pet’s day.

Our pets are there for us year-round, so sharing extra time with them when we are stuck inside is good for all of us.