Enrichment Ideas and Cold Weather Care for Dogs
The new year is a great time to reset routines and make winter a little easier on you and your pup. Shorter walks, icy ground, and cold weather can bring new challenges, especially when it comes to keeping your yard clean.
A few simple adjustments, plus reliable winter cleanup from Poo Worx, can go a long way toward reducing stress during the coldest months. Here are some January tips to keep your dog safe, stimulated, and comfortable all winter long.
When walks are shorter, mental exercise becomes extra important. Simple games can help burn energy and reduce boredom. Even ten minutes of brain work can leave your dog calmer and more content than a long walk in freezing weather.
hiding treats around the house
using a snuffle mat
practicing short training sessions
playing tug-o-war
Winter sidewalks and backyards can hide slippery spots, sharp ice edges, and harmful ice melt products. Keep an eye out for uneven ice patches and areas where snow has been packed down and frozen.
After walks, wipe your dog’s paws to remove ice melt and grit, and check for small cuts or cracking. Choosing pet safe ice melt for your own yard helps protect paws and prevents irritation.
Lick mats help calm dogs, provide mental stimulation, and give them something satisfying to do when outdoor time is limited. Here is an easy, mess free treat that keeps pups happy and relaxed during chilly January days.
What you’ll need:
Plain canned pumpkin or cooked, mashed sweet potato
A lick mat or shallow dish
How to make it:
Spread a thin layer of pumpkin or sweet potato evenly over the lick mat. You can serve it as is or warm it slightly so it is just room temperature, never hot. For extra enrichment, freeze for a short time or sprinkle a few crushed treats on top.
It is easy to assume winter mess disappears once snow covers the yard, but it actually builds up faster than you think. Waste gets compacted under snow and ice, making it harder to clean later and often creating strong odors once temperatures rise.
Regular winter cleanup from Poo Worx prevents that buildup, keeps your yard safer for your dog, and reduces the risk of bacteria spreading when snow starts to melt. Staying on top of cleanup now also protects your lawn and makes spring thaw far less overwhelming.
Book your Winter Yard Cleaning Service!
A little winter planning makes a big difference.
Here’s to starting the year with happy paws, less stress, and a yard you do not have to worry about.
Poo Worx is here to help all season long.
The Poo Worx Team