Winter seems to make even the most active person—or pet—slow down and tap into their hibernation instincts. But too much inactivity can lead to boredom, which in turn can cause weight gain or behavioral issues.

Keeping your pet active during the winter can improve their mood, help maintain a healthy weight, and stimulate brain activity. But during the coldest months of the year, how do you keep your pet active, healthy, and stimulated? Try these boredom-busters that can help you and your pets enjoy the indoors when it’s too cold to be outdoors.

A silly game of hide and seek can be fun for dogs and (curious) cats alike. Hide behind a door or piece of furniture and call to your pet, then reward them when they find you. Even if hiding only involves putting a pillow between you and your pet, this simple activity activates pets’ tracking instincts, and can be repeated multiple times. 

Wand toys can be a great way to exercise your pet. While larger dogs may need extra space for this activity, it works well indoors for smaller dogs and cats. If you don’t have one on-hand, DIY options are fairly simple to make with some electrical tape, PVC pipe, and an existing toy or some ribbon.

Similarly, playing a game of fetch down a hallway can help your pet have fun and stay active. While typically considered a “dog-only” activity, many cats also enjoy playing fetch, as it helps them hone their natural ability to chase, catch, and bring back prey.

This activity needs a little more preparation, but it can be entertaining and rewarding for all involved. For an indoor obstacle course, think couch cushions, dining chairs, pillows, and blankets. For smaller dogs and cats, the obstacles could be as simple as empty boxes, ribbon stretched across a doorway, or even stacks of disposable cups. Create your course, then help your pet navigate it, enticing them with treats, a clicker, or their favorite toy along the way.

For a maze, you can use the same household items, or create a cardboard maze out of old boxes by cutting them and taping them together. The idea is the same, and even if your pet doesn’t solve the maze in the way you intended, their brain will still be stimulated and entertained.

Puzzles of any kind can help activate your pet’s brain, improving their mood and cognitive abilities. Puzzle mats for fast-eating pets are a great option, but puzzles can be created with household items as well, such as toilet paper or paper towel rolls, scissors, and some tape. Dogs and cats enjoy the challenge of finding an object or treat and being rewarded with it at the end, so make sure any homemade puzzles aren’t overly challenging.

Another way to provide both structure and enrichment to otherwise dreary winter days is to work on training. Even cats can enjoy being trained, and both you and your pet will benefit from the process. Whether it’s learning to do a trick like giving a high-five, or improving on your pet’s ability to stay and come on command, training can be broken out into short sessions over multiple days, making it perfect for a winter project.

When all else fails, remember that even a quiet grooming session with your pet can create a positive environment for them, boosting their mood and strengthening your bond. So, when the days and nights get a little too cold, we hope this list helps you and your furry companions stay happier and healthier, together. Try one this week and see how your pet responds!

Guest Author

Guest authors for the Healthy Paws blog contribute content based on their research and expertise.