Canine Cure for Winter Blues
While snow and cold weather may brings holiday cheer to many of us, there are people that certainly feel the opposite. Seasonal affective disorder is a very real thing for many people where the shortened hours of light bring and colder temperatures bring on the winter blues and depression. Another common side effect of winter for many people is weight gain. “Its cold outside I don’t feel like exercising.” In reality all of us know probably know that napping on the couch and stuffing our faces isn’t going to be the solution to the winter blues or weight loss.
So how about doing something about it, let your dog be your guide. Your dog is probably just a board being inside during the winter as you are, however, your dog already has its coat on so all you need to do is put your on to start your winter activities. Here is a list of things to do, yeah some are a bit odd, but hey if they get your off the couch and stop the food binge they’re worth it.
1. Go for a run. It's basic but for some reason people think they can’t run in the cold. Wrong. Now go do it, just look out for the ice. You’ll be proud of yourself for going.
2. Follow the nose. Take your dog to an open field or park, attach a long leash and just follow. See where your dog takes you when they are actually given the freedom to decide where to go. You will be amazed at all the random directions they take you in, while following their nose. Mine took me to a bunch of rabbit holes and a to a stream I never know existed. Either way its a nice walk.
3. Chase the snow ball. After the next snowfall take your dog out and throw a few snow balls around. Its quite entertaining to watch your dog chase, then try to pick up the snow balls, even though they disappeared when they hit the ground. Bring a real ball with you to continue the game once they catch on.
4. Dog park. Yes, its open during the winter. A great thing about taking your dog to the dog park in the winter is the mud and dirt are covered with clean snow. Most dogs love the freedom of being able to run around in the snow.
--Dr. Hamilton
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Dr. Hamilton is an oncology resident at Michigan State's Animal Cancer Care Clinic and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex.
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