5 Ways to Prevent Canine Cabin Fever by Dr. Michelle Posage
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Embrace winter
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When life gives you snow, get out your sled. If you have a large snow-loving dog, chances are he won’t mind pulling a sled. Rather be on skis? Skijoring is an activity that combines cross-country skiing and dog pulling.
Dress appropriately
For the most part, the canine fur coat is better protection from the elements than any winter parka, but not all dogs were bred to endure winter weather. Jackets and booties can make exercise in the snow more enjoyable for these breeds. Coats are absolutely essential for frail, older dogs with arthritis. Booties are a good idea when walking in areas with lots of ice and rock salt – both which are damaging to paw pads.
Move indoors
Outdoor sports in the winter are not always an option, but thankfully there are many indoor sports and activities you can get involved in. Dog training facilities usually have indoor, heated gyms, where you and your pooch can learn the sport of agility, do a little nose work in a tracking class, or develop a dance routine with your dog in a freestyle class.
Stimulate the brain
Okay, many of us do not have snow-hardy, athletic dogs. Don’t worry, there are still things you can do. Mental activity is often a good alternative to physical activity, and food puzzle toys (such as a kong) are like Sudoku for your dog. As an added plus, these toys are designed to be self-interactive which gives you a break from the role of dog entertainer.
Training
Winter is a good time to brush up on a few of those obedience commands that you haven’t practiced since puppy kindergarten. If that doesn’t sound like fun, pick a trick to practice. Trick training is fun for you and your dog. He will feel good, and you will have something to show off at your next dinner party.
Learn More About Dr. Posage
Dr. Michelle Posage holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Michigan State University, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology with concentrations in neurobiology and animal behavior, also from MSU.
As a veterinarian with a practice exclusive to animal behavior, Dr. Posage accepts referrals from other veterinarians and animal professionals to treat serious behavior issues in dogs and cats. Dr. Posage has published her research on animal shelter adoptions in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and is a contributing author for the books, Shelter Medicine for Veterinarians and Staff and Mental Health and Well-being in Animals.
Dr. Posage is an adjunct instructor at the University of New Hampshire, Thompson School of Applied Science in Durham, NH. Subscribers of the Nashua Telegraph newspaper enjoy her monthly pet column.
