Fortunately, there are many ways to have winter fun with your pet in Maryland.
During winter, your pet might not be able to enjoy the beach or a sunny day at the park, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have fun. Fortunately, there are many ways to have winter fun with your pet in Maryland. With safety as a top priority, consider these activities to keep your dog or cat happy and active during Maryland’s chilliest winter months.
Importance of Exercise Year Round
Regardless of your pet’s breed, age, or size, every animal needs regular exercise to help maintain excellent mental and physical health. Although there are many healthy benefits of regular exercise, it is also critical to your pet’s mental health and can prevent boredom and unwanted behavior. If your furry friend exercises, they’re less likely to chew or lick furniture in your home.
Similarly, dogs can pack on the pounds if you don’t regularly exercise them. Therefore, you will more likely have to deal with pet obesity, which can lead to severe diseases and costly vet bills. In contrast, regular exercise can keep the weight off. A reduced waist line can also reduce the risk of any joint issues in your pet.
Indoor Games with Dogs
Being stuck at home, you’re probably thinking of ideas for winter fun with your pet in Carroll County and Baltimore County. Although you are often confined inside, you and your pet can still participate in meaningful activities that can stimulate them mentally and physically. For instance, you can exercise your pet’s sense of smell by hiding a treasure and encouraging them to sniff around. Now, you probably liked this game when you were a kid, so why not enjoy hide-a-seek with your dog? To succeed in this game, your dog must understand the basic commands, such as sit, stay, and come. Celebrate the victory once your pet has found you.
Moreover, you can use everyday household items to create an obstacle course. It can be as easy or complex as you want. You can utilize broken-down boxes for your pet to crawl through, place chairs for them to navigate through, and even stack books for him or her to jump over. Additionally, consider getting a training platform and agility system for your pet’s daily use. You can adjust the size and the surface to keep your pup secure.
Lastly, you can set up “poles” such as chairs or even friends or family members to play with your dog. Make sure to instruct your pet to heel alongside you as you weave between them. This is an excellent way to work on coordination and a great cardio workout.
Indoor Games with Cats
It’s no secret that cats love hunting birds. A wand-type toy with feathers might be the magic solution for converting your kitty couch potato into a hunter in minutes. Also, wand toys are an interactive way to have winter fun with your pet in Carroll County and Baltimore County, MD. Again, along the hunting lines, a mouse-sized remote-control car can entertain your cat as they chase after it. Similar to dogs, cats also enjoy playing hide and seek. Remember to reward their efforts with a few dry kibbles or a favorite toy.
Another way to play with your cat is to tie a long string to one of your kitty’s favorite toys, hold one end, and tug on the rope to capture your cat’s attention. Keep your cat moving, but let them catch the toy before removing it. You can make mealtime fun by feeding your cat dry food from a food-dispensing treat ball rather than a regular bowl.
Here at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, We’ll Treat Your Pets Like Family!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!