Steps can cure dog’s cabin fever

Your dog has been cooped up inside for months now, so who can blame him if he starts to come down with a slight case of cabin fever?

Just like us, dogs can get bored and restless after rattling around the house during a long, cold winter.

But take heart. Even though the weather outside may be frightful, you and your furry friend can get an early jump on spring without even having to brave the elements.

Nowadays, getting your dog out of the house doesn’t necessarily mean spending a lot of time in the wet or freezing outdoors – not when there are so many fun things for the two of you to do in a warm indoor training and agility arena.

There have never been more clubs and organizations devoted to indoor canine activities, such as obedience, agility, and even canine freestyle, a sport in which teams of dogs and people compete by performing choreographed dances to music.

Most metropolitan areas have clubs devoted to these dog sports. Web sites of groups like the North American Dog Agility Council ( www.nadac.com) and the Canine Freestyle Federation ( www.canine-freestyle.org) will provide you with plenty of information about events and meetings in different areas of the country.

So check them out, determine which best suits your pet’s size, age and temperament, and then join in.

It will chase away the late winter blues and get you and your pet in better shape for the spring, and you’ll both make new friends.

If you and your pet aren’t the sporty types, you might want to consider doing volunteer work together. There are several organizations that offer training, certification and placement services for volunteer therapy dogs to visit hospitals, nursing homes and senior citizen centers.

“Pet therapy programs offer a great way for pets and their owners to deepen their bond while giving back to their local community,” says Dr. Dennis Feinberg, president of the American Animal Hospital Association ( www.aahanet.org).

Learn more by checking out the Web sites of the Delta Society ( www.deltasociety.org), Therapy Dogs International ( www.tdi-dog.org) and The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs Inc. ( www.pet-therapist.com). Participation in these volunteer programs is open to all adult dogs, provided they have the training and certification.

Aside from enjoying the chance to get out and see new people and places, your dog will probably feel good knowing she’s helping others. That’s just part of her loyal canine nature.

You can also give your pet a welcome change of scenery by taking her with you on a visit to a friend’s or relative’s house. Of course, that’s assuming that your would-be host is receptive to the idea.

If your friend or relative has a pet of their own, make sure the two animals are kept under close supervision until you’re certain they get along. You’ll also want to take a water bowl for your pet along on your visit, and if you’re going to be staying during mealtime, pack some food too.

Bringing along a favorite chew toy will help ensure that your pet doesn’t gnaw on the leg of Aunt Mildred’s couch during your visit.

Being the good canine companion you are, you”ll also want to remember to carry along some disposable bags and a scooper in case nature calls during your visit. Here is where having a crate-trained dog can really be a boon, as its crate can become your dog’s home away from home.

Taking your dog along on a trip to the local pet stores provides another good indoor social outlet. Retailers such as Petsmart, Petco and Pet Supplies “Plus” have made it a practice to encourage customers to bring their pets shopping.

“We probably get well over a million pet visitors a year, most of them dogs,” said Joe Fucini, a spokesperson for the Pet Supplies “Plus” chain of stores. “Dogs definitely seem to enjoying getting out and meeting other pets, plus they’re given treats when they visit our stores.”

While you’re at the pet store, pick up a few new interactive dog toys, selecting those like the Molecuball and Kong Jump ‘N Jax that roll or bounce in unpredictable ways.

Toys that move erratically are going to get your dog more excited and promote more enthusiastic play, which means that your pet is going to burn up more of the restless energy that’s been building up inside over the winter.

Any interactive toy will be more attractive to your pet if you stuff a little treat or spread some peanut butter inside it. These toys also are more appreciated if you limit play sessions with them.

Set aside a time every day when you bring these toys out for your pet to play with, and make a big deal every time they’re presented. Your pet will get the message that “this is something special,” and he’ll get extra enjoyment out of your play sessions.

“Our favorite indoor game is ‘find it,”’ says Dr. Janice Willard a veterinary ethologist from Moscow, Idaho. “I hide my dog’s tennis ball in the living room when he is out of sight and then let him in to sniff around and ‘find it.’ This keeps both his mind and his body active.”

Playing inside is great, but unless it’s really frigid, most breeds should continue to enjoy the great outdoors throughout the winter. Unless your dog is a longhaired breed, a sweater and boots will keep him comfortable during extended outdoor play periods.

In addition to retaining body heat, a sweater or coat will protect a dog’s underside from becoming irritated by road salt.

Boots should be an essential part of your pet’s late winter wardrobe, since they help keep salt, ice chips and the mud from melting snowdrifts out of the area between the paw pads, where they can cause abrasions, skin irritations and infections.

You should select boots and coats that are waterproof and easy to clean, such as the “Woof Parka” and “Woof Boots” from the Signature Fashion Pet Collection.

When you venture out with your pet in cold weather, it’s a good idea to play a game, rather than just take a walk. This will keep both of you warmer and give your pet more exercise in less time.

Dog toys such as the bright orange Kong Sport ‘n Dog Training Dummy and the durable Groovy Stick from OurPet’s were designed to stand up to year-round outdoor use and should provide you and your dog with hours of fun as the two of you turn cabin fever into spring fever.