Brrr! It’s cold out there! As temperatures drop and winter weather sets in, it’s easy for both humans and dogs to spend more time snuggled up indoors. But just like us, our dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy—even when it’s freezing outside. This frosty weather inspired me to create a list of fun and practical ways to keep your pup active all winter long. From creative indoor games to tips for outdoor adventures in the snow, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of the season with your furry friend.
Indoor Activities You Can Do at Home
Interactive Toys
If you’re a regular here, you know I’m a huge fan of interactive dog toys. Think: puzzles, treat-dispensing balls, and snuffle mats. They’re a great way to keep our dogs mentally enriched and physically engaged. Some benefits:
- Fires up their minds
- Activates and heightens all of their senses
- Improves mood
- Busts boredom (yes, dogs can get bored too)
- Tires them out
- Helps to prevent certain behavior problems
For a complete list of my favorites, check out THIS list.
Put Your Dog’s Toys on Rotation
Just like we get bored of the same old stuff, so do our dogs. After a few play sessions, your dog’s once-favorite toy may no longer be interesting or entertaining. But, the solution isn’t to keep spending cash on more toys and watching the pile of untouched playthings grow larger. Nope. Instead, try putting your dog’s toys on a rotation!
To avoid toy boredom, stop leaving all of your dog’s toys scattered on the floor – in sight and in reach. Instead, choose three to five toys to keep out at a time. Stash the rest away in a closed bin and/or closet. Then, after a week or so, swap those initial toys for a different bunch. It’s just like the popular saying: Out of sight, out of mind. So, when you swap one squeaky toy for a crinkle one … or a tug toy for a durable chew one, your dog will most likely play with them as if they’re brand new!
Play a Game of Indoor Fetch
Clear a safe space in your home to play a friendly game of fetch. I usually use my long entry hallway or open living room for this. You can also incorporate commands like “sit” or “stay” into the game to sharpen skills and engage your dog mentally while they wait for you to throw the toy.
For added excitement, consider using an automatic ball launcher, which can keep your dog entertained even when you’re busy. Similar to a launcher, I really like iFetch’s new iFetch Frenzy. It doesn’t require any batteries or electric. You or your pup simply drops the ball into the top and then your dog scrambles to find it as the ball comes randomly rolling (6-12 feet) out of 1 of 3 openings at the bottom!
Bubble Chasing
Blowing dog-safe bubbles is a fun and easy way to entertain your pup indoors. If you look up “Dog-Safe Bubbles” on Amazon, you’ll see there are a few brands that sell non-toxic bubbles specifically designed for dogs. They even have scented bubbles, like bacon or peanut butter! Your dog will love leaping and snapping at the floating bubbles – it’s a great way to keep them active without requiring too much space.
Hide and Seek
Hide your dog’s favorite treats or toys around your home and encourage your furry companion to find them. This game taps into their natural hunting instincts and provides both mental and physical enrichment.
At-Home Agility Courses
Have you ever watched those athletic dogs on television gracefully yet speedily going through obstacle courses where they weave in between poles, run through tunnels, jump over objects, and walk over seesaws? Well, that’s called dog agility … and wow is it fun! If you have some extra space in your house, you can buy a basic course on Amazon and play around at home (THIS is the one I have). I use mine both indoors and in my backyard. Note: I love the weaving poles and tunnel for indoor use. If you plan to set up jumping obstacles indoors, though, keep them lower to the ground to avoid putting too much pressure on your dog’s joints.
Arrange a Dog Playdate at Home
Invite a friend with a dog over for a playdate. This provides social interaction and a chance for your dog to burn off energy while having fun with a canine companion.
Other Indoor Activities
Local Agility Classes
A simple Google search can help you find local doggy gym businesses that offer indoor agility courses. Sign up for a structured class to learn more about agility training. These classes provide excellent exercise and mental enrichment, keeping your dog active and engaged even during the colder months. Plus, they’re a great way to bond with your dog. Who knows … you may wind up loving it so much and enter an agility competition one day!
Obedience Classes
Enroll your dog in an obedience class to refine their manners or learn new tricks. Training sessions provide mental exercise and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Tips for Outdoor Adventures
In a moment, we will talk about some outdoor activities to keep your dog active this winter. But first, it’s important to know: Not all dogs tolerate cold weather the same way. Breeds like Huskies thrive in colder temperatures, while smaller or short-haired dogs like Chihuahuas may struggle even in mild cold. Use common sense and monitor your dog’s comfort level when venturing outdoors in winter.
Preparing for Outdoor Play
- Check the Temperature: Ensure it’s safe for your dog to be outside, and take advantage of daylight hours for warmer conditions. So how cold is too cold for dogs? Use this as a general guide:
- Above 45°F: This should not become a problem for most dogs. (Again, remember that size, coat type, age, and lifestyle play a role.)
- Below 45°F: Cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable.
- Below 32°F: Smaller breed dogs, dogs with short or thin coats, and/or very young puppies, senior dogs, dogs with health conditions, or sick dogs should not be left outside for long.
- Below 20°F: All dogs could potentially develop hypothermia and frostbite. Never leave your dog outside in these harsh conditions.
- Bundle Up: Put your dog in a coat or sweater to keep them warm, especially if they have short fur.
- Protect Their Paws: Use booties to shield your dog’s paws from ice, snow, and salt. Alternatively, apply a protective balm, like Natural Dog Company’s Pawtection, to prevent cracking and irritation.
Outdoor Play Ideas
Once your dog is properly prepared, consider these outdoor activities:
- Winter Walks: Stick to shoveled paths and keep the walks shorter in extreme cold.
- Snow Play: Let your dog chase snowballs or explore a snowy backyard. Always supervise to ensure they don’t eat harmful substances like salt or antifreeze.
The Importance of Monitoring Your Dog’s Weight in the Winter
During the winter months, it’s easy for dogs to gain extra weight due to reduced activity. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for their overall well-being. Keep an eye on their food intake and adjust portions as needed. Want to learn more about managing your dog’s diet in the colder months? Check out my article on how to adjust your dog’s diet for the winter season.
