Pet Talk: Keep your dog fit and healthy indoors through cold winter months

Coaxing your dog out for walkies in cold weather can be tricky, and you might not be too keen to go out in wintry ­conditions either.

But dogs big and small still need their daily exercise – it’s vital for physical and mental health – so why not create an indoor ­environment to get them moving?

It’s not a substitute for going outside, just a good way for your furry friend to get additional exercise without the shivering.

Pet food makers Canagan have devised a plan to ensure your dog is having just as much fun inside as he or she would out on their favourite walk.

Teach an old (or young) dog new tricks!

Train them to bark on command, shake hands, play fetch or roll over – the list is endless! It can keep younger family members entertained too.

Create a snuggly space so your pup can chill and watch the world go by (Getty)

Introduce a new toy

There are plenty of indoor activities for pets involving toys. How about a dog puzzle where they have to move levers to reveal a tasty treat?

Fetch

A good old-fashioned game of fetch with a soft ball or toy is a great way to entertain a dog with boundless energy.

If you’re lucky enough to have a long hallway or a spacious living room (and valuables are safely stowed away), indoor fetch can be a fun and energetic activity.

Playing hide and seek while you tell your dog to stay put and take turns calling him, is a great way to get the whole family involved (Getty Images/age fotostock RM)

Hide and Seek

This a great game to keep your dog entertained, and the whole family can play.

Tell your dog to stay so they don’t follow you to your hiding places then take it in turns to call them.

Show them lots of love when you’re found.

Bubbles

These are an inexpensive way to entertain your pup.

You can buy “dog bubbles” in different flavours, and there are dog-friendly bubble machines too.

A man walks his dog through the snow in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside (PA)

Give them a view

If the wintry weather isn’t suitable for a walk, create a snuggly space by the window so your pup can watch the world go by.

Whether it’s birds flying by, cars passing or people, they can keep entertained with activity outside.

Build a doggy den

Dogs love to snuggle in a cosy space. Blankets piled with toys or even a spare bedroom converted into a pet pad can create a special sanctuary.

Dog-friendly cafes and pubs

Just because the weather’s bad, it doesn’t mean you have to stay in the house 24/7.

There are lots of indoor spaces with ­activities for dogs so you can enjoy a change of scenery and interact with others.

Go to an indoor agility club

Indoor agility is a great form of exercise and offers quality bonding time for you both.

Dogs are intelligent creatures, so will thrive when their brains are given a workout too.