Who
said pets can’t have fun in the winter?! Although temps in the North can get
pretty frigid in January, it’s still important for your pet to stay active and
stimulated for their overall health. Consider Brookfield Animal Hospital’s
list below of five ways to keep your pet happy in the winter, and give us a call
at 203-775-3679
if you have any questions.
Play Hide and Seek
Everyone
likes a game of hide and seek every once in a while, including your pet. Simply
hide your pet’s favorite toy or treat in a place where they can see. Then, let
them have fun retrieving it. For cats, you can try leaving the toy or treat
high on the highest level of their tower so they have to climb up to get it.
Teach Your Pet a New Trick
Both
dogs and cats can learn tricks, so why not use those winter hours indoors to
teach your furry friend a new trick? Training your pet can strengthen your bond
with them and improve their overall behavior, so it’s certainly worth the
effort. Remember to always reward your pet for doing the trick, and limit the
training sessions to about 15 minutes a day.
Buy an Interactive Toy
Many
pets tend to get a little lazy, both physically and mentally, during the
winter, but with an interactive toy, you can change that. From laser pointers
to food toys, there are many options available that can provide some mental
stimulation for your four-legged friend. They can also help your pet get some
exercise in, too.
Take Your Dog to an Indoor Park
You
know your dog needs exercise, but your home or apartment just isn’t spacious
enough for them to run around. If this sounds like YOUR situation, consider visiting
an indoor dog park. Indoor dog parks are climate-controlled and offer spacious
areas for your canine companion to run around and play.
Install a Window Perch (for Kitty)
Since
cats tend to lie around for most of the day, once they reach a certain age,
installing a window perch is a great way to keep them busy and stimulated
throughout the day. Many cats love to bird watch and watch the snow fall, so by
having a padded perch installed on your window, you can keep your cat happy and
alert during those cold winter days.
