Brrr...It's been cooling off outside and the days are certainly shorter. Winter is on the way, are you and your pup ready? Here are some easy tips that will help you stay Happy & Healthy during the cold, darker days.
Up the Fish Oil
You're already giving your pup this fabulous supplement because you know about all the great benefits, right? Now is the time to increase that dose, or even double it. Why? Here's a couple things you may not know about fish oil...
During winter months dogs go from indoor dry heat (from your furnace) to cool, crisp winter chills outdoors. They go back and forth between these extremes several times a day. This is hard on the skin and coat, often leading to flaky sin and increased shedding. Increasing omega fatty acids will help soothe irritated skin and help with shedding.
There is also less sun available during winter months. Dogs generally have less access to playtime outdoors combined with shorter walks. Increasing omega fatty acids during the winter months can actually fight the winter blahs and give your pup an increased feeling of well-being. Now, that's something we can all use!
Food Fun
Often during winter months, walks are cut short due to cold or dark and playtime outside is decreased because of the weather. We all know that a tired pup is a happy pup, so how do we help wear them out? Food toys! Feed your pup from a puzzle/interactive toy so that mealtimes take a bit longer and your dog is encouraged to think and work for a meal.
We love toys like the Nina Ottoson puzzles and the Treatstik.
Stretching
Activity level is generally a bit lower in the colder months. Help keep your pup healthy by stretching them regularly and making sure they keep limber. This will also increase blood flow to less active parts of the body and keep oxygen flowing throughout the body. The best part? You'll get some quiet one-on-one time with your pup! For tips on stretching your dog properly, check out our favorite stretching book: Stretch your dog Healthy.
We hope you stay safe and warm during the winter months. Winter can be boring for many pups, but it certainly lends itself to some great snuggling (our favorite)! Enjoy!
- Anna Bettina
Certified Canine Training & Nutrition
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