Winter dog dilemmas

The colder months of the year can be a dark, dreary time for both pets and owners, but there are things you can do to help keep your animals happy and healthy. While getting outside with your dog lifts your spirits too, inevitably you'll now spend more time indoors. Both of you will benefit from extra mental stimulation and exercise at home. There are plenty of fun games you can play inside, or you can set up a mini training session.

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Sometimes a wild, wet walk can be bracing and fun. Afterwards, get your pet warm and cosy without delay. I have a special towel for my Lab, Tess, to dry her thoroughly. I take care to check between her toes for any grit from the roads, as this can irritate their feet. Her bed is in a draught-free spot, and I make sure she always has a fresh, dry blanket. This is also a good time to think about arthritis management for older dogs, so check in with your vet to see if they need any supplements or medication.

I think he needs a diet!

My dog overindulged a bit over Christmas (as did I!) and we're walking less as it's so dark and wet. What's the best way to get him back to a healthy weight?

The first thing to check is whether your dog really is overweight. Has he visibly changed shape? If not, then you probably don't need to do anything drastic. Just go back to your old routine of walks and feeding and things will soon readjust. You can look up the average weight for your dog's age and breed, but these can only give you a ballpark figure. For a more accurate assessment, check his condition.