5 ideas for entertaining our furry friends through the cold month:
1) Pamper your pooch
Spending an hour or two grooming your dog is a great way to spend quality time together when it's raining or cold outside. Think of it as a spa day. Not only are they pampered, but dogs who are regularly groomed tend to have a healthier and shinier coat with less skin irritations. And if you’re looking for wonderful grooming treatments, you’ve come to the right place - we can groom your pup for you! More info here.
2) Go for a stroll
Generally speaking, a leashed walk around the block isn’t going to cut it. Most dogs need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. Fortunately, most dogs are up for a long stroll on a brisk day -- and if they aren’t, there are coats and jackets to keep them warm! Just remember: inactive dogs are often overweight dogs, and that brings plenty of health risks.
3) A nose for fun
We often try to restrain their incredible powerful scent abilities (we want to eat that slice of pizza on the counter later), but allowing your dog to actively engage with exercises that require your pup to use their nose are especially stimulating. You can make them work for their dinner by creating an obstacle course to get through to find her food. Just don’t tease them too much!
4) Taking (dog)care
It’s not only cold outside - it’s raining. What to do? Well, if your dog gets along well with other dogs, doggie daycare is a good option. It’s also a great avenue to help keep your dog fit over the winter. Make sure to check out recommendations and tour the daycare centre first. You want to make sure that you and your pup are comfortable with where your dog will be hanging out and playing.
5) Time for a joy ride!
Most dogs love to ride in the car. Take your dog along if you’re visiting friends or family. For a special treat, include a side trip to a market to do some shopping with your dog. Your dog may ask for a treat or two, so be prepared to bring some extra cash for this outing!
Remember: no matter how much indoor activity your dog gets, your dog still needs to go for daily walks. This short time outside is a huge boost for your dog (as well as yourself) in terms of mental health and socialisation.
Want to book a grooming appointment? Need recommendations on doggy daycare options or indoor parks? Give us a bell in store on 09 448 222.