Do Dogs and Cats Get Cabin Fever?

By Julia Williams

Around this time every year, the side effects of winter start to take their toll on my household. My three cats and I all become irritable, depressed, bored, restless, frustrated, and just plain ticked off at the world. The bitter cold and knee-deep snow make the outdoors inhospitable, so we hole up indoors. On good days we are able to stay out of mischief; on the darkest days of winter we go stir crazy, which generally results in some sort of bad behavior. What that behavior is varies with the day (and the species), but yes – just like humans, pets can and do get Cabin Fever.

While not an actual disease as the name suggests, Cabin Fever is a state of mind. It’s a claustrophobic reaction brought on by an extended stay in a confined space or a remote, isolated area. Although Cabin Fever is more prevalent in winter, it can occur any time of the year.

Normally well-behaved dogs and cats suffering from Cabin Fever may begin to pick fights with other family pets. They might stare vacantly out the window all day, chew on things they’re not supposed to, or race around the house like something possessed. So what’s a responsible pet owner to do when the weather outside is frightful? Find ways to make being indoors more enjoyable!


Active Play

All dogs need regular exercise and active play. Even though the harsh winter weather might prevent you from taking them out for long walks, runs or playtime at the dog park, they still need to get sufficient exercise for their breed. An indoor tug-of-war session is a great way burn off excess canine energy – and you’ll burn calories too!

Playing hide-and-seek not only keeps your dog moving, but gives him mental stimulation as well. Most dogs quickly learn how to play this game. “Tell your dog to stay (or have someone hold him) and then go hide,” suggests certified dog trainer Robin Bennett. “Once you're hidden, call your dog and let him use his nose to find you.” Other active ways to play with dogs are to create a mini agility course in your basement or playroom, or lay broomsticks over chairs and teach your dog to jump over them.

Cats need exercise and active play too. Keep them fit and stave off Cabin Fever with interactive toys that stimulate their hunting instincts – such as feather wands, kitty “fishing poles” and remote controlled mice. Cats love to climb and scratch, so satisfy both of these natural feline urges by giving them their own cat tree/tower with multiple perches and scratching surfaces. Lastly, you can set up a Feline Agility course in any room with a little extra space.

Mental Stimulation

Winter is a great time to teach your pet some fun tricks. You can invest in a dog training book that gives step-by-step directions for all the basic tricks, but there’s plenty of info online too. We’ve written several “how to” articles about teaching tricks on this blog, including Teach Your Dog to Roll Over, Train Your Dog to Ring a Bell, and Teach Your Cat the High Five Trick.”

Hiding your dog’s favorite toy or some CANIDAE Snap-Bits™ treats around the house will work his mind, which can be just as helpful as physical exercise for combating Cabin Fever. Refresher obedience exercises can also help stimulate his mind. For cats, a window perch with several bird feeders outside will provide lots of stimulating action. Some dogs and cats even enjoy watching Pet Sitter DVDs on your TV.

High Quality Food

Feeding a premium pet food like CANIDAE or FELIDAE won’t “cure” Cabin Fever, but it can certainly help, because good food is the foundation for good health, and a healthy pet is a happier pet. When their nutritional needs are met, our dogs and cats have better digestion, and more vitality and energy.

Extra Attention

One of the simplest things you can do for a dog or cat with Cabin Fever is to spend more time with them. Plenty of grooming, petting, hugging, playtime and just hanging out can help keep the winter doldrums at bay – for both of you!

Get Outside on “Nice” Days

I put “nice” in parentheses because I think the only pleasant thing about winter is that it eventually leads to spring. (Yes, I hate winter!). Nevertheless, on those winter days when the skies are calm and the sun provides a welcome respite to the bitter cold, get your dog outside. You can take a winter hike, go snowshoeing or try skijoring, a fun sport that involves getting pulled along on cross-country skis by an intrepid canine “driver.”

For more great suggestions on how to keep your pets from going stir crazy in winter, check out these articles: How to Deal With Canine Cabin Fever, and Games to Play with Pets on a Cold Winter Day.

Read more articles by Julia Williams

New Year's Resolutions for Responsible Pet Owners

By Tamara L. Waters

Every year, folks ring in the New Year with a few resolutions – those good intentions they have for the coming year. As a responsible pet owner, you can make resolutions for the New Year and plan to make your pet's life better. Here are a few resolutions that you might want to make for the sake of your pets.

I resolve to play with my pet more often. While your dog or cat might love special treats, more than anything they probably love playing with you. Resolve to set aside time each day just to play. Whether it's a rousing game of fetch or some fun with a ball of yarn, your pet will enjoy playtime with you.

I resolve to learn from my pet. There is so much we can learn from our pets. They can teach us valuable lessons about living well and loving every part of our lives. RPO Blog Editor Julia Williams has a great article about lessons learned from cats.

I resolve to slow down. Just as we learn so much from our pets, we all need to learn the importance of slowing down. We hurry through our days and ultimately our lives, rushing to get through the day and on to the next. Slowing down to follow the examples set by our pets is a great way to live life – savoring each moment.

I resolve to feed my pet well. Because we love our pets, feeding them good, nutritious food – like CANIDAE and FELIDAE is one way we can show them how much we care.

I resolve to exercise my pet regularly. We always have good intentions, but helping your pet exercise regularly is a great resolution. If you've found yourself short on time and unable to keep up with regular walks and exercise, start the New Year right with a resolution to make it a priority in the coming year.

I resolve to show my pet love and affection often. Just as we get busy rushing to and fro, to work, school and activities, sometimes we can get caught up and forget to show our pet how much we care. Make the effort to take the time. A little love and affection goes a long way, so resolve to make time for belly scratches, back rubs and ear scratches.

I resolve to get regular veterinary care for my pet. With the coming New Year, make a resolution to plan for regular checkups for your pet. Make a plan to put aside money to help with the financial burden of veterinary care, but try to make it a priority, for your pet's sake.

Making New Year resolutions is a great start and is easy, but keeping them is the hard part. Write down your resolutions and keep them handy somewhere – on a bulletin board or even your fridge. Keep them posted somewhere that you can see them often so they will stay fresh in your mind.

The important thing is trying to keep the resolutions. Not only will you have the personal satisfaction of keeping your resolutions, but you can feel gratified that you are doing the best you can for your pet. Your pet will enjoy what you are able to do for him, and you can be proud that you are working hard to be the best responsible pet owner you can be.

Photo by Claudio Matsuoka

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Fun Indoor Activities for Your Dog

By Suzanne Alicie

Sometimes it is just too cold to be playing outside with your dog, but Fido still needs exercise and entertainment. So what do you do with your dog when you’re confined inside? Anyone who loves dogs knows that there are many ways to interact with your dog indoors, but to actually get some exercise and expend some of his canine energy may require a little more than having him lie on your cold toes to keep them warm. Well, maybe that is just me; my favorite thing about winter is a warm dog to cuddle with! For the rest of the time, here are some indoor activities you and your dog can enjoy together.

Indoor Fetch

A tennis ball or a chew toy can be used in a fun game of indoor fetch with your dog. If you don’t have a lot of room, don’t worry – you aren’t going to actually be throwing the toy. It may take a few times for your dog to understand the game, but once they catch on they’ll be just as eager to play indoors as they are outside. Call your dog and show him the tennis ball or chew toy, then either roll it across the floor or hide it behind you. Your dog will be excited to either chase it across the floor or bound around you to try to get it from you.


Tug of War

Knotted ropes are a great deal of fun for indoor play with your dog, and all you really need is a small area that isn’t cluttered or surrounded with breakables. This helps your dog work off some energy and build up some strength as well as letting him interact with you and have your attention. 

Training

Okay, so training may not sound like a fun time for your dog, or for you. But when your dog is cooped up inside, the one-on-one interaction will keep him from getting bored and adopting a bad habit. Work on a new trick or challenge your dog with some indoor agility training. Try an indoor obstacle course or create a musical canine freestyle routine, and be sure to have plenty of CANIDAE Snap Bits™ treats on hand to reward your pooch for their hard work. There are plenty of training activities you can have fun with when you are indoors with your dog.

It is common knowledge that any time you interact with your dog it’s enjoyable for you and for the dog, but it can be emotionally and physically beneficial for both of you as well. Using your imagination and finding creative ways to interact with your dog will make those cold cooped up days go by much faster. I look at winter about the same way the children in the Cat in the Hat book looked at a rainy day. I can sit around and stare out the window and wish for sunshine, or I can have a lot of fun inside while I wait for spring.

There is still plenty of cuddle time and lots of lazy evenings with a dog lying on my feet or 50 pounds of furry love planting herself in my lap for a belly rub. But I can tell when my dog has had enough lying around and wants to play, and I indulge her with these and other indoor activities. Summer will be here soon enough, and then I can spend an afternoon outdoors tossing a ball for my dog and wishing for my nice air conditioned home. But as a responsible pet owner, I know that in any season it’s important to do what is best for my dog, whether in the heat or cold.

Photo by Michal Osmenda

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Agility Training Can Correct Your Dog’s Bad Behavior

By Linda Cole

I love watching dogs and their owners running agility training competitions. The dog and owner work as a team to run through tunnels, jump over hurdles, maneuver over a seesaw and weave through poles as well as completing other obstacles. Agility training is a sport for owners who want to add a little excitement and exercise in their life, and dogs love showing what they can do. If you have a dog that needs more exercise to keep him from being bored, or you have a dog with behavior problems, you might want to consider agility training to help correct your dog's bad behavior.

Dogs are active by nature, but some need more action than others. A dog that is confined inside all day can develop inappropriate dog behavior that's destructive or annoying to the neighbors, such as constantly barking or howling. Providing exercise is the best way to help a dog burn off excess energy. A quick walk in the morning before leaving him on his own all day works well for some dogs, but dogs who love to run and jump need more exercise to ward off inappropriate dog behavior. Agility training gives a dog a chance to do what he loves to do and learn something new which keeps his mind stimulated.

Dog agility was invented by accident in London in 1978 during the Crufts Dog Show. In between events, a horse enthusiast, who was in charge of the entertainment, decided to use dogs in place of horses to do equestrian type jumps. The people loved watching the dogs jumping and the sport began to gain a following in England. In 1986, the U.S. Dog Agility Association was created as agility began to grow in this country.

Agility training not only corrects and prevents unwanted dog behavior, it can also make your dog more alert and confident. His problem-solving abilities improve and he becomes focused on you, and the bond you share with your dog grows stronger. He learns to watch your movements, listen to your voice and read your body language for instructions on what you want him to do. Your little athlete will have better coordination and endurance as he becomes physically fit and healthy. Dog owners who participate in dog agility are passionate about this sport, and it's a great way for humans to stay physically fit as well.

Dog agility is not for every dog. This is an activity that requires stamina and timed racing around a course, which is hard for some dogs. Some larger breeds also have a hard time because they don't have as much energy as a dog like a Border Collie. It's the medium size dogs who excel at agility training and it's the perfect outlet for these dogs to keep them from developing bad dog behavior from lying around all day waiting for their owner to come home. However, no dog is turned away and if you have a dog who has the right type of personality and is physically fit, go for it. It might turn out to be the best thing you could do for your dog and for yourself.

If you have a bored Terrier, Poodle, Corgi, Border Collie, Retriever or any dog who loves to run and jump, agility training is perfect for them. Except for AKC, all of the dog agility clubs accept mixed breeds. The only exceptions are puppies under the age of 9 months because they are still developing, and dogs who are older than 8 years. This is an endurance sport that requires a dog to think and follow instructions from their owner to complete a course in the fastest time.

Competing in agility training trials is a real workout for you and your dog, but the rewards make it well worth the time and effort. It's not something you or your dog can master overnight, but once your dog learns how to focus on you and follow your instructions, he'll be racing through tunnels, climbing A-frames, flying over hurdles and weaving through poles like a pro. It's a sport that once you've tried it, you'll be hooked when you see the smile on your dog's tired face. A dog that trains and competes in agility competitions has no bad dog behavior because he doesn't have any pent up energy left to get into trouble. Give it a try if you think you and your dog has what it takes.

Would it surprise you to learn that cats can also be trained to run an agility course? It’s true! Julia Williams wrote an interesting article on Feline Agility and how you can get your cat started in this fun sport.

Photo by Ron Armstrong

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Winter Activities to Keep Dogs Busy

By Linda Cole

December 21 is the official start of winter, but as far as I'm concerned, when the first snowfall covers the ground – it's winter! Even with snow on the ground, dogs can still get plenty of healthy stimulation and exercise during the winter months. If your dog is like a couple of mine, the minute the first snowflake hits the ground they head for the couch and a warm blanket to cuddle under, but once they get outside, they have as much fun as the other dogs. Winter activities for dogs can be anything you enjoy doing together.

The first thing to remember when venturing outside in the winter is safety for you and your dog. Winter activities are only fun when no one pulls a muscle, gets too cold or becomes lost. Protecting your pet with a microchip can save his life if he should become separated from you during any outdoor activity. Brush up on survival skills and always remember to pack survival gear for you and your dog when heading outside for some winter fun.


Hiking on a snowy trail is a great way to get exercise, but make sure to let someone know where you plan to go and how long you intend to be gone. Carry a backpack with survival gear that includes food and water for you and your dog, and make sure your short haired dog has a weatherproof jacket to help keep the chill away from his skin. Dogs lose heat from their ears and feet, so a pair of quality dog booties can help keep his feet warm and snow free. However, you will need to make sure he doesn't lose them in the snow.

Tracking is a great winter activity that can be educational for you and your dog. A fresh layer of snow and a warm pair of dog booties are all you need. Just make sure you know who the tracks belong to and be prepared if you should run across the owner. You don't want to deal with a confrontation from an angry critter. The idea is to give your dog some mental stimulation with an interesting scent and exercise by following the trail, not actually finding the animal.

Snowball catch. Several of my dogs love playing in the snow, and one of their favorite winter activities is catching snowballs. Keep the snowball loose so it won't hurt them when they catch it. One thing that always amazes me is how they can find a snowball tossed into a pile of snow. Playing catch is always a great way to give your dogs exercise any time of the year.

Sledding tops the list for winter activities you can do as a family. Dogs like to ride on a sled down a hill with you or the kids – just be sure to follow proper safety procedures. Never allow a dog to ride unsupervised on a sled down a hill. He can't control it and you risk the dog being injured if the sled hits a tree, goes out of control or if he jumps off on the way down. You can teach your dog how to pull the sled back up the hill too! He gets to spend quality time with you while you teach him a command that gives him an important job to do, and running back up the hill with the sled in tow helps him to stay fit.

Skijoring is a sport dogs and humans can do as a team. Ski enthusiasts combine their love of skiing with their dog's love of running and pulling. Skijoring is a winter activity for the more serious snow lover, human and dog, who enjoys being in the fresh winter air and the beautiful scenery.

A walk in the snow is an easy way to work off excess energy for a dog. It may be winter, but dogs still need to be walked to help keep them from becoming bored while you're away from home. A tired dog will be better behaved when left alone, and walking in the snow provides a workout that helps keep him fit through the winter months.

Winter activities provide a dog and us with much needed exercise to keep from getting cabin fever and from putting on pounds over the colder months of the year. Hibernation isn't an option for those who love the snow. With proper protection from the cold and snow for you and your dog, an afternoon outing is just the ticket to help keep the mind and body healthy and stimulated.

Photo by Shannon Pifko

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Fun Fall Activities for Your Dog

By Suzanne Alicie

You know how much you enjoy it when the days begin to cool down after a hot summer? Well your dog enjoys that as well. With cooler temperatures, your dog will have more energy and more stamina for being outdoors and enjoying fun fall activities. There are a few activities that are specific to the fall season that your dog will love.

Football - Your dog probably won’t do well with a regular football, but you can use a foam football or even a doggie sized football to take your dog out and play a great game of catch, fetch and tackle (be careful tackling, of course). Larger dogs especially enjoy the rough and tumble fun and exercise of a fall game of football.

Hiking - Once the days cool down, taking a hike with your dog is a lot less challenging for him than it is during the heat of summer. Choose a hiking trail where you and your dog can wander for a few hours and you’ll see just how much he enjoys all that sniffing and exploring, when it is cool enough to do so comfortably. Be sure to bring along your favorite snack, some bottled water, and a few CANIDAE Snap-Bits™ treats for your pooch. For more information on fall hikes, check out The Benefits of Hiking with Your Dog.

Lawn Care - Yes, I know dogs aren’t exactly great for your lawn, but when it comes to having fun they are wonderful for running through your raked up leaf piles. Be sure your dog has been treated for fleas and ticks, then let him have a ball playing in the yard.

Doggie “Play Dates” - If you have a social dog, fall is the ideal time for playing with other dogs at the park. The weather is cool enough for the dogs to enjoy themselves without becoming overheated or too tired. They will play for a much longer time and will also rest much better when they get back home.

Fun fall activities for your dog generally include anything that will get him out of the house and into the great outdoors to act like a dog. If you have a fenced yard and can simply let your dog run and play, you will see a great improvement in his health and in his behavior when he is allowed to run off some of his excess energy.

The fall is essentially the perfect time to be a dog. It’s not too hot and not too cold, the air is brisk and fresh and people want to spend more time outdoors. This means that Fido gets to go along and have fun more often as well. After all, we all know how miserable it can be to have a panting, slobbering hot dog cooped up in the car during the heat of the summer – fall is ideal for rolling down the windows and letting your dog’s ears flap in the wind. He will love it!

For responsible pet owners, the advent of a new season is also a reminder to take care of seasonal treatments like flea and tick medication, grooming, and checkups. I always try to do these things every 3-4 months, and season changes are my reminder. A clean, protected and healthy dog is ready for the coming cold weather.

Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie