MARKtoe! MEI 2023 Uitgawe 104 | Page 56

KeePing them entertained
PET ZONE

It ’ s never a good idea to give your dog a short shave before winter , rather leave the fur longer to help keep them warm and brush more often to avoid tangles . You will probably be bathing them less in winter too , so brushing regularly is a must if your dog has longer fur . Bathing them can also remove the essential oils and leave your pooch with dry , flaky skin , which is further exacerbated by the cold weather .

When you take your dog for walks where they may get wet , make sure you towel dry them afterwards . Remember , if you ’ re feeling very cold , your pet probably is too , so keep your animals inside during very cold weather .

Pets burn more energy in winter , so you may consider feeding them a little bit more during the coldest months . Consult with your vet first and ensure you are feeding the right type of food .

KeePing them entertained

Dogs need both physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis . The amount will depend on your dog ’ s breed , age and personality , but as a general rule , at least 30 minutes of physical exercise is needed , along with some mental stimulation . High energy breeds will need more . But what do you do when it ’ s icy cold or raining too much to let the gang outside ? Leaving them to their own devices is never a good idea , especially if you have young or high energy dogs . They are likely to become bored , and a bored dog is a naughty dog !

Luckily , there are plenty of fun indoor activities to keep your dogs entertained on days when the weather doesn ’ t allow for outside play or their usual walks . There are rubber toys that you can stuff with peanut butter , pellets or doggy

56 MARKtoe ! Mei 2023