It is a bitter cold February afternoon in suburban NY. In spite of the chill outdoors, the sun is shining brightly making the outdoors inviting enough. My pet Havanese, Shaina, who turns 13 in a week, is giving me that “Let’s go!” look. We both suit up with our jackets and step outside for a quick, brisk walk around the block.
During these long winter months walking our senior dogs is not always an option, especially if there’s a couple of inches of snow on the ground. But to stay in top shape, it’s important that our pets continue to be physically active and mentally stimulated in this season.
Here are 5 tips to do just that, good for all dogs but especially useful for senior pets.
1. Visit A Mall
During days when we are snowed in, and your pet has been housebound for some time, it becomes important to “change the scenery” to stimulate her. A busy place like the mall is the perfect solution. Our Shaina loves a visit to the local mall. We don’t necessarily enter stores but prefer to park ourselves in a sit-down area. Before long people of all ages come up-to her to say hi and interact with her. Parents of toddlers get their young ones to pet her and click pictures. For a while, Shaina is a star! She responds well to each and everyone, thoroughly enjoying the attention. 20 minutes of this activity leaves her greatly mentally stimulated and we return home exhilarated and happy.
2. Indoor Games
If stepping out is not an option, there’s a plethora of indoor games you can play with your senior pet, to ensure he is getting his fair share of exercise. Besides keeping him healthy it is bonding time for the two of you. Involve your kids in the games and it’s one big happy party!
Popular games are hide-n-seek and go fetch which dogs of all ages love. A favorite game at our home is to hide a piece of treat and it’s Shaina’s job to hunt it down. Sequentially increasing the challenge of finding the treat makes for an amazing physical and mental workout!
3. Play Dates
On a blistering cold day what better than to hang out with friends! Organize a play date for your pet with other known, familiar pets. When you consider a play date for your senior, it’s a good idea to get together with dogs her age, to match their energy levels. Teaming up with younger dogs that are more energetic and excitable than your senior, can prove exhausting and will not make for a fun date.
4. Pet Supplies Stores
I often take Shaina along with me to stores where she is welcome. The one store she looks forward to the most is a visit to our neighborhood Petco. We walk the aisles, taking in the aroma – stimulating! More often than not, we run into other pets who she’s not familiar with – more stimulation! I return to the car with one thrilled pet.
5. Massage
These days doggie yoga classes and massage parlors are sprouting up everywhere. Frankly, I am not a fan since these activities need getting used to; and we are talking senior dogs here. That said, your pet would, undoubtedly, greatly benefit from a hands-on massage that you yourself can deliver. A good massage relaxes the body and soothes muscle aches that naturally develop in aging dogs. Additionally, a full body massage activates those muscle groups that may not be getting exercised anymore. Your pet would absolutely love for you to tend to areas that need a good scratch but are now hard to reach. To top it all, this total one on one time and attention with your pet is second to none for bonding. Your pet would absolutely love it and love you for it!
Finally
These are my top 5 tips to drive away the winter blues for our senior dogs and keep them physically active and mentally stimulated during the mostly indoor days during this season.
Visit a Mall
Indoor Games
Playdates
Visit a pet supplies store
Massage
Doing some or all of the above will greatly assist your senior pet to promote a healthy routine and continue to have an active lifestyle through the long winter months.
