Quality pet care requires regular checkups at the veterinary clinic, staying up-to-date on pet vaccinations, and making sure they live a healthy lifestyle. Part of the latter includes keeping them active, which can be difficult when it’s cold out. Learn about ways to keep them healthy in winter by reading the tips below.

How To Keep Your Animals Healthy In Winter

1. Get Toys That Dispense Treats

Toys that dispense treats or foods make your pets work for them. They’ll expend energy pushing a ball around, chewing and licking peanut butter out of a bone, or batting around a mouse that drops catnip. If you have a dog, make sure it doesn’t eat part of the toy, as it could cause a blockage that requires a trip to the veterinary clinic.

2. Get a Pet Treadmill

Pet treadmills are designed to be safely used by animals. They may be resistant to it at first, especially if they’re scared, but it gets them moving. Give them treats and praise them after using it, and they’ll begin to like it.

3. Bundle Up & Go Out

If you have a dog, you may still be able to take them outside for short walks and playtime. Large, fluffy dogs will even enjoy it. Try to go in the afternoon when it’s warmest, and have your dog wear a coat and booties if they’ll let you or if they’re prone to the cold. Speak with their veterinary clinic about how long it’s safe for your specific dog to be outside and any precautions you should take. If they begin to act lethargic or shiver uncontrollably after being outside, take them to the animal hospital to be checked for hypothermia.

4. Play Inside

Find ways to play inside. Move furniture and decor against the walls to clear a space, and play fetch, have them chase a laser pointer, or teach them tricks. Any game that gets them moving is good and will burn off the excess energy.

5. Find a Pet Daycare

Check your area for reliable, licensed, and experienced pet daycares. Ones for dogs are common, and they have scheduled playtime indoors where your dog can socialize and be active while being supervised. Some may have an area for cats, with an enclosure filled with cat trees and toys.

Keep tabs on your pet’s health this winter by finding a reputable veterinary clinic. The team at Clermont Animal Hospital, Inc. in Batavia, OH, will provide advice for keeping your pet in shape in winter, give a list of indoor activities they can do safely, and treat winter illnesses like hypothermia or frostbite on the paws. Serving the Tri-State area for over 35 years, this animal hospital provides 24/7 emergency care, as well as preventive care, like pet vaccinations, and acute care, like cold laser surgery. Learn about their services online, and call (513) 732-1730 today to schedule an appointment.