Like humans, dogs need exercise to stay healthy and happy. While most dogs need between 30 minutes and two hours a day worth of physical activity, it isn’t always easy to find ways to keep your animal active when there is snow on the ground. Here are a few ways to exercise your dog when it is cold outside, and how a pet day care can help. 

How to Exercise Pets During Cold Weather

1. Make Them Work for Treats

Instead of simply offering your animal treats, turn it into an activity by using devices like food-dispensing toys. These special toys are designed to hold a treat or a little kibble, requiring your dog to roll the ball around or play with the device to release the treat. In addition to exercising your animal’s muscles, you can also give them a mental workout. 

2. Play Indoor Games

Just because you can’t take a walk outside doesn’t mean you can’t venture through your own house. To give your dog the exercise they need, let them chase you through the house, run up and down the stairs, or play fetch. If you have a big open room or unfinished basement, set up a small obstacle course for your animal.

3. Take a Class Together 

Make the most of rainy and snowy days by taking a training class together. Commonly offered by training facilities, pet day care centers, and even community recreation centers, you can enjoy a class that teaches behavioral training, swimming, or even indoor sports.

Another great way to encourage exercise during winter is by visiting Robinwood Kennel for pet day care. Located on 50 acres of beautiful land in Highland Heights, KY, this beloved kennel offers both indoor and outdoor dog runs, giving pets freedom to explore and socialize. With a commitment to safety and optional services like professional grooming, Carol, Peggy, and Joe will ensure you will return to a happier pet. Their facility is a few minutes from Northern Kentucky University and a convenient 15-minute drive from downtown Cincinnati. To find out more about their pet day care options, visit their website, and call their office at (859) 781-2352 to ask about availability.