Winter Pet Boredom Busters

Keeping Pets Active and Engaged When It’s Too Cold to Play Outside 

When temperatures drop and snow covers the ground, outdoor walks and backyard playtime can quickly become limited. While many pets enjoy a bit of snow, extended exposure to cold temperatures, ice, and road salt can be uncomfortable and even risky. 

That’s why winter is the perfect time to focus on indoor enrichment for pets. A thoughtful combination of physical activity and mental stimulation not only keeps your pet healthy but also helps prevent behavioral issues like restlessness or destructive chewing. 

Below are some veterinarian-approved winter pet care tips and creative ways to keep your dog or cat happy, active, and engaged all season long. 

1. Prioritize Mental Stimulation 

When outdoor activity decreases, mental engagement for your dog or cat becomes even more important. 

• Puzzle toys and feeders challenge your pet to problem-solve for rewards. 
• Hide treats around the house to encourage natural foraging instincts. 
• Try scent-based games — they engage your pet’s brain, improve focus, and help reduce stress. 

Research shows that short bursts of mental exercise for pets can be just as tiring as a walk, making it an excellent tool during cold weather. 

2. Modify Pet Exercise for the Indoors 

Even during Nebraska winters, it’s essential to maintain a regular exercise routine. 

• Indoor Exercises for Dogs 
  • Practice indoor fetch using soft toys in a hallway or open space. 
  • Teach “find it” games with hidden toys to encourage movement and focus. 
  • If you can safely get outside, choose mid-afternoon walks when the temperature is highest and avoid icy or salted sidewalks that can irritate paw pads. 
• Indoor Exercises for Cats, 
  • Interactive wand toys or laser pointers can replicate hunting play in a safe, temperature-controlled environment. 

3. Build a Simple Indoor Pet Agility Course 

Create a safe, low-impact agility setup using everyday household items: 

• Use rolled towels or broomsticks for low jumps. 
• Arrange cushions or chairs as weaving obstacles. 
• Encourage slow, careful navigation with verbal praise or small treats. 

Agility activities provide both physical and mental enrichment while improving your pet’s coordination, confidence, and focus. 

4. Incorporate Training into Daily Routines 

Training sessions are an excellent outlet for energy during the winter months. 

• Reinforce basic commands or teach new ones, such as touch, spin, or stay. 
• Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and reward with praise or small treats. 
• Mix in practical skills like leash manners or crate comfort. 

This kind of positive reinforcement training strengthens your bond with your pet and provides the mental structure they crave. 

5. Address Seasonal Wellness Needs 

Cold weather affects more than just activity levels. 

• Arthritis and joint pain can worsen in colder temperatures; talk to your veterinarian about mobility supplements, medications, or therapies such as acupuncture or laser therapy. 
• Dry indoor air can lead to flaky skin and coat irritation; supplements, shampoos, sprays, and a humidifier can help. 

Routine veterinary visits during the winter can help catch early signs of discomfort or seasonal health changes. For Pet Prime® members, unlimited exams are included to make it easier to check in with whenever questions or concerns arise. 

6. Balance Activity with Comfort 

After exercise or training, make time for calm and comfort. 

• Provide a soft, warm bed away from drafts. 
• Ensure your pet stays hydrated — even in winter, dehydration is common. 
• Enjoy quality downtime together; quiet companionship is as important as active play. 

A balanced approach to winter pet care helps pets stay content, healthy, and connected to their families all season long. 

A Thoughtful Winter for Every Pet 

Cold weather doesn’t mean months of inactivity. With a mix of creative enrichment, modified exercise, and attentive care, your pet can stay physically strong and mentally stimulated through even the snowiest days. 

For personalized advice on winter pet wellness, give us a call at (402) 334-1580 to schedule a visit. Our veterinary team can recommend the best enrichment, nutrition, and care strategies to help your pet thrive, no matter the temperature outside.