Cold weather shouldn’t necessarily discourage you from being outside with your dog. Walks, games and sports in the winter—even in the snow—can still be great exercise for you and your pet. Just plan ahead and prepare for the elements.

More Food-Maybe. If you play with or exercise your dog outside in the winter, be sure to keep an eye on his or her weight. You may need to increase the amount of food he or she is getting for body fat and nutrition because they will be burning calories just staying warm in colder temperatures.

If the two of your generally spend you time in front of a fireplace, getting out for an occasional walk, this is not a big issue.

How much more food? It depends. More calories are needed

• for colder temperatures, say 20 degree weather vs. 40 degrees.
• for more physical exertion, bounding through belly-high snow vs. walking on clear pavement.

You will need to observe and decide if and what changes to make in his diet. Add high quality dog food as opposed to human food to bulk up his diet. Worried your dog, may be losing too much? Check out Is Your Dog Overweight

• More Water.Did you know your dog needs more water in the winter if they are outside a lot? As a dog exhales air, she is also expelling water. But because the air is colder and drier, your dog is losing more water to the air than she gets back. And eating snow or licking ice is not a big help. This activity actually makes your dog’s body work harder to heat snow or ice into water. The best bet is just to make sure she has clean, room temp water available. (Besides, do you really know what’s in that snow?)
• Watch the Toes. Snow and salt can build up between a dog’s toes. How would that feel to you? Well, it is uncomfortable to your dog too, and it can cause splits and abrasions if left unchecked. And him licking so much salt or other snow melting chemicals is just very bad.
  • Make sure you carefully wipe his feet with a towel every time you come in from outside.
  • Rub a bit of baby oil and sprinkle some baby powder on the pads before going outside.
  • Get booties or dog shoes for your dog’s feet, especially smaller dog breeds, since they typically don’t grow hair between the pads on their feet.

Also remember, ice and snow can create slippery conditions. Dogs can tear ligaments and sprain themselves just like we can. If you think this might be an issue where you walk, do go for nylon or leather boots for your dog to prevent problems.

• Bundle up. In fact, a dog sweater or coat is a good idea for outings for small dogs, breeds with thin coats, dogs with medical conditions, or very old or very young dogs. Smaller dogs are more susceptible to colder temperatures due to a lack of body mass. And puppies cannot yet regulate their body temperature.

Whether or not you want to get out there, your dog needs some activity in the winter too. Bundle up and get him or her out there at least a few days each week, and you will see the difference in yourself too.

It’s 20 degrees, the wind’s kicked up, and the sun just set. I don’t care how sad my dog looks, a walk this evening is out of the question. Even if I wanted to brave it, it is dangerous for him, even with dog boots and a dog coat. But we need to do something.

If you live in colder climates, you may be used to braving the weather, but there just are times that you and dog should stay inside. You can still exercise your dog. Even a larger dog. Even if your home isn’t that large.

One of our favorite indoor dog games we call “Mountain climber”. Basically it’s just running up and down the stairs combined with ‘Money in the Middle’. My little trick, name the game so the kids are interested in playing too. We have someone at the top of the stairs and someone at the bottom.  We throw one of his toys up and down and try to keep it from the dog. If you are good at throwing and keeping the toy away from the dog, let him catch it once in a while. Then you, can start over with a new toy or chase him to get the toy or wrestle the toy from him.  Our dog likes all three.

Our other favorite game is wrestling. Yes, wrestling. OK it’s not my favorite to play (I refuse to wrestle) but it’s my favorite to watch my husband play. For larger, playful dogs like ours it works well. You are actually giving your dog three things at once: physical activity, personal attention and physical contact–all things most dogs love. And works for the husband too–he is always panting after 15 minutes.

This game is not for every dog. You need to know if your dog’s personality can handle it as a game, not a serious defense. And after the game, you need to bring the dog down and reinforce your position as caring owner (not fellow dog) with firm, gentle conversation and some affection petting.

Cesar Milan, Dog Whisperer, has some of the same ideas in this article on Indoor Activities on his Web site.

Running with your dog, especially if you have a high energy, is a great way for both of you to stay in shape. And a brisk 20 minute run may expend as much energy as a 40 minute walk–so you may even fit in that exercise before work without getting up earlier….

Running has gone to the dogs

from the Leader Post
by Amy O’Brian, Vancouver Sun
It’s a common belief that dog owners tend to resemble their dogs. But in Rebecca Black’s case, the likeness isn’t in appearance so much as physique and athleticism.

Black is a long-time, long-distance runner. One might say it’s in her nature.

The 58-year-old runs marathons, half-marathons and takes to the trails of the North Shore about three times a week for a good, long run.

It seems entirely fitting then, that her two dogs are natural-born runners.

Read the rest of the article here…