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5 Indoor Winter Activities to Keep Your Pet Happy and Active

Writer's picture: Vetr Health TeamVetr Health Team

When winter weather makes outdoor adventures less appealing, it’s easy for pets to get restless. Luckily, keeping them entertained indoors isn’t just possible—it’s a golden opportunity to strengthen your bond and engage their minds and bodies. Whether you have a playful pup or a curious cat, these five activities will ensure your furry friend stays happy, healthy, and mentally sharp all season long.


Corgi standing over a dog puzzle

Our Top 5 Favorites for Indoor Play:


1. Food Puzzles and Treat Toys

Interactive toys, such as food puzzles and treat-dispensing balls, are an excellent way to keep your pet mentally stimulated and reward their problem-solving skills. Not only do they keep boredom at bay, but they also encourage your pet to use their brain to earn their treats.


Pro Tip: Want a DIY option? Fill an empty toilet paper roll with kibble, fold in the edges, and let your pet figure out how to get to the prize. Alternatively, hide small treats under cups or within a muffin tin and watch as they puzzle it out!


 

2. Hide-and-Seek

Who says hide-and-seek is just for kids? This classic game can be a thrilling challenge for your pet. Simply hide behind furniture or in another room, call their name, and let them use their tracking instincts to find you.


Reward them with treats, toys, or lots of enthusiastic praise when they succeed. Not only does this activity engage their natural hunting skills, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your pet.


 

3. Nose Work Games

Tap into your pet’s incredible sense of smell with nose work games. This activity is perfect for rainy days and can be tailored to any skill level.

  • Beginner: Place treats in visible spots around the room.

  • Advanced: Gradually hide treats in trickier locations, like under cushions or behind objects.


Pro Tip: Use a scent your pet loves, such as peanut butter for dogs or catnip for cats, to make the game even more exciting. Nose work games aren’t just fun—they’re also an excellent mental workout for your furry friend.


 

4. Indoor Agility Courses

Transform your living space into a mini agility playground! Use everyday household items to create obstacles:

  • Weaving: Set up chairs for your pet to zigzag through.

  • Jumping: Lay broomsticks across stacks of books as makeshift jump bars.

  • Tunnels: Open up cardboard boxes or use laundry baskets to create tunnels.

Guide your pet through the course using treats, toys, or verbal encouragement. While this activity is particularly well-suited for dogs, energetic cats can join the fun, too!


Bonus Tip: Keep the course dynamic by changing the setup to keep your pet challenged and engaged.


 

5. Laser Pointers and Feather Wands

For cats, few things are as exciting as the unpredictable darting of a laser pointer or the fluttering motion of a feather wand. These simple tools can provide hours of entertainment, exercise, and mental stimulation.


Important Reminder: Always let your cat “win” by catching a toy or receiving a treat at the end of playtime. This satisfies their natural hunting instincts and keeps them from becoming frustrated.


Make Winter an Opportunity for Fun

Cold weather may keep you indoors, but it doesn’t have to mean boring days for your pet. From engaging their minds with puzzles to turning your living room into an agility course, these activities are sure to keep them entertained and emotionally fulfilled. Plus, winter is a wonderful time to strengthen your bond, try something new, and create lasting memories with your furry companion.




Pug pulling rope

Have your own favorite winter pet activities? We’d love to hear from you! Share your tips with us on social media @VetrHealth or leave a comment below.

Let’s make this winter the best one yet—for you and your four-legged friend!

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