Exercising Your Dog Indoors

As winter closes in and the weather gets colder, your doggy walking sessions may become shorter. After all, taking a stroll in a snowstorm isn’t very much fun! In order to keep your pooch healthy and active on days when the weather is bad, you may want to move his workout routine indoors. Below, a Lakeville, MN veterinarian lists some options for keeping Fido active inside.

Stair Runs

Getting Fido to go up and down the stairs is a great way to keep him active. Go to the top of the stairs, carrying one of his toys. Call your pup to you. When your furry pal reaches the top of the stairs, toss the toy down the stairs, and have him bring it back to you. Just a few rounds of this can really get your canine buddy’s blood pumping!

Fetch

Fetch is a great way to get your canine friend moving. Needless to say, you’ll want to do this in a spot where Fido has room to run a little without knocking into anything. You can even play this game while you’re relaxing in your favorite chair!

Treadmill

A treadmill can be a great way to exercise your pooch indoors. Just be sure to always put Fido’s safety first. When your dog is just learning, use only the slowest setting. Also, always take off your pup’s leash and collar before allowing him on a treadmill. Last but not least, never leave your furry friend on a treadmill unsupervised. Ask your vet for more specific advice.

Laser Pointer

Chasing a laser pointer is another great way for Fido to get some exercise indoors. That elusive red dot can really get your canine friend up and moving! Just be careful not to shine the light directly into your pet’s eyes.

General Guidelines

Keep in mind that your canine buddy’s exact activity requirements will depend very much on his breed, health, age, and weight. Not all exercises are suitable for every dog. If Fido is a senior, some exercises may be too much for him. Small dogs, on the other hand, may get all the exercise they need just by running around the house! Ask your vet for specific recommendations.

Do you have any questions about Fido’s health or care? Call us, your Lakeville, MN vet, anytime! We are happy to serve all your dog’s veterinary care needs!