Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 25/06) - The winter deepfreeze is enough to push even the most avid joggers into the warm comfort of a gym, but your pets aren't allowed in there.

Yellowknife resident Jennifer Geens struggles to hold 20-lb Jade, who she says has a taste for angel-food cake. Pet food store owner, Jo-Ann Cooper, recommends less food during winter. - Chris Puglia/NNSL photo

So how do you exercise your dog without getting hypothermia? Jo-Ann Cooper, owner of Borealis Kennels and Pet Specialties says some of her customers have a novel solution: take pooch for a spin on the treadmill.

"A few people have dogs that actually go on the treadmill by themselves and have a good time," said Cooper.

A cat, of course, may not be much of a treadmill fan. The important thing for all pets is to watch how much you feed them, Cooper advised.

The food rule is important in winter because pets tend to get less exercise in general, treadmill or not.

"If you got a cat who sleeps around all day it doesn't need a cup of food," said Cooper.

"You have to really pay attention and watch that."

Cooper said her customers tend to switch to light, low-fat food during winter. The same goes for snacks.

Regardless of what a pet's food preference is, Cooper said it's important to check the label for salt and sugar content.

For the little guys - mice, hamsters or gerbils - Cooper said the chubbiest of all food is sunflower seeds. Best to limit those, she said.

"Pick all the sunflowers out, and maybe give him two or three a day instead of two or three dozen a day," said Cooper.

Back to the dogs for a moment. Cooper said others may enjoy their treadmills but one customer has told her she doesn't mind the cold after realizing some bonus benefits.

"Now she's out there every day walking that dog," said Cooper.

"She says she lost 30lbs."

Pete Harding said his best winter dog toy is a flipper and a tennis ball. If only he wouldn't lose so many balls.

"I lose one per trip pretty much," said Harding.