10 Fun Things to do With Your Pet in the Winter

As pet parents, we love how our dogs and cats make great companions and provide hours of unbounded fun. That said, if you live in an area where winter brings bitter-cold temperatures and snowy days, it can get a bit boring to stay cooped up indoors with your pet. Whether you feel like getting out of the house or not, it’s important to ensure that your furry friend stays mobile and healthy even during the cold winter months. Here are ten things you can do to keep your dog and cat active while introducing some fun into your pet's life and getting rid of those winter blues.

Winter Fun: 10 Fun Activities You and Your Pet Will Both Enjoy!

1. Go on a Road Trip and Explore a New Area

If you have the opportunity to take a trip, this is probably one of the best times to do so, as it is not as busy as the summer season. Not only will you be able to enjoy being out of town together, but you also get to explore somewhere new. Find out about any pet-friendly places in the area and plan your vacation around those places. If you plan to stay at hotels or motels while on vacation, check ahead of time to see if they allow pets and ensure they have an outdoor space where they can run around safely, like a fenced-in yard. You might even want to bring along some toys that fit in the hotel room so that your pet does not get bored while they are away from home. Since cats are usually more home-bodies than dogs you may be wondering, is it even a good idea to travel with a cat? Actually, most cats adapt quite easily to traveling so as long as you are prepared, taking a trip by car or even plane can be a relatively easy and fun experience. Check out this travel blog to make sure you're well prepared.

2. Have a Pet Sledding Adventure

Sledding can be an exciting and fun-filled activity for both you and your pet, but it is important to keep your pet's safety in mind. Before taking your pet sledding, ensure you have a good harness that will keep them secure on the sled. This will help prevent them from falling off and potentially getting injured. It is also a good idea to let your pet become comfortable with the activity before taking them out on the sledding hill. This may involve gradually introducing them to the sled and allowing them to get used to it before hitting the slopes. Some dogs love sledding so much that they will actually pull the sled to the top of the hill and slide down on their own. And if you think your cat won't enjoy sledding, check out this video of Leo, an adventurous cat, that loves being pulled on a sled by his owner (and the dog gets involved too). The important thing is to always watch your pet not that they stay safe, but also how they act. Pay attention to your pet's behavior while sledding. If they seem scared or uncomfortable, it is best to stop the activity and try again later when they may be more comfortable.

3. Snuggle by the Fire

Another pleasant activity that both you and your dog or cat are sure to enjoy is snuggling by the fireplace, or a fire pit outside. Whether you are cuddled up on the couch or lounging in front of a wood fire, there is nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a fire to bring you and your pet together. Why not make the most of the colder months by snuggling up with your furry friend and enjoying the simple pleasure of being warm and cozy together? As long as you do not let your pet get too hot or too close to the fire, this can be a great opportunity for bonding and relaxation.

4. Learn a New Pet Trick

If you and your furry friend are looking for something fun to do indoors, while at the same time ensuring that your pet doesn't go crazy from cabin fever, why not try learning a new trick together? Learning a trick can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your pet. Not only will it keep you both entertained, but it will also give you a sense of accomplishment when you both master the new trick. What's more, training your dog or cat is a great way to spend quality time together when your pet is not in the mood for outdoor activity. There are endless possibilities for what trick you can teach your pet, from basic commands like "sit" and "stay" to more advanced tricks like fetching or playing dead. You can even get creative and teach them to do a little dance or "high five" on command. Another idea is to create a puzzle toy or an obstacle course for your pet. Both dogs and cats can be trained to run around a set course avoiding various obstacles you put in their way. No dog or cat is too old to learn a new trick. The sky's the limit!

5. Play Hide and Seek

Playing hide and seek with your pet is another fun activity and an interactive way to pass the time during the colder months.  To play hide and seek with your pet, choose a designated area and have your pet stay in that area while you hide. You can use verbal cues, like "stay" or "wait," to help your pet understand the game. Once you are hidden, let them loose to find you using their super sniffer skills. When they finally track you down, reward them with love and a tasty treat. It might take some time to teach your furry friend to stay still as you hide, but once you and your pet get more comfortable with the game, you can try hiding in more challenging spots or increasing the length of time you stay hidden. You can even involve other family members or friends to make the game more competitive. Hide and Seek is a fun game that is great to play outdoors, but if it gets too cold, you can also enjoy the game inside as well. If you have a very active dog that needs a lot of exercise and you can't get them outside, there are plenty of ways to keep a high energy dog busy indoors.

6. Have a Pet Photoshoot with a Snowman

Another fun-filled activity to do with your pet during the winter months is to have a pet photoshoot with a snowman. This is a great way to capture memorable and adorable photos of your furry friend and also a great way to spend quality time together. To get started, you will need to build a snowman. Once your snowman is ready, it is time to dress it up and get your pet involved. You can use scarves, hats, and other winter accessories to give your snowman and your furry friend a festive look. Next, it is time to bring a camera and take some photos. You can snap some solo shots of your pet posing with the snowman, or you can get creative and try to capture some action shots of your pet playing around with the snowman. If you have kids, you can try to get them all in the photo, if they’re not too busy playing in the snow! Try different angles and perspectives and add some props or backdrops to make the photos more enjoyable. Just have fun and enjoy the process, and you will be sure to get cute photos of your pet and snowman together.

7. Visit a Pet-Friendly Store

When it comes to fun-filled activities with your furry friend, visiting a pet-friendly store should be on your list! It is an opportunity for your pet to socialize with other animals and people. You must check with the store beforehand to ensure they allow pets. Delight in the joy on their face as they sniff out all the new smells and explore the aisles, but don’t forget to pick up a few treats or toys for your four-legged friend while you are there! It’s a win-win situation for both you and your pet.

8. Get your Pet a Winter Jacket

Not all dogs and cats are naturally fit for cold weather. Some dogs and cats have thick winter fur and may enjoy playing outside for long periods of time, while others will find the winter chill too cold after only a short walk around the block. For these pets, it is time to get them outfitted with a winter jacket! It’s true that some pets don’t really love wearing clothes. But with a bit of patience and the right jacket, you will be surprised at how much they will enjoy staying warm and stylish while exploring the great outdoors. When shopping for a winter jacket for your pet, it should fit snugly without being too tight and allow a full range of motion. In addition, you will want to look for jackets made with waterproof and windproof materials and lining for extra warmth.

9. Give Your Pet a Massage

Giving your pet a massage has numerous benefits, such as improving circulation and helping to alleviate muscle soreness and stiffness. First, relax your pet by gently stroking your pet to help them feel calm and comfortable them as usual. Next, using the pads of your fingers, slowly and gently massage the different areas of your pet's body, starting with the head and neck and working your way down to the tail. As you massage, adjust the pressure and technique as needed. You can also use massage oil or lotion to help your hands glide smoothly over your pet's fur. Remember to take breaks and give your pet plenty of breaks and praise throughout the massage. With a little practice, you and your pet will be enjoying the benefits of a relaxing massage in no time. If you have an older dog or cat with arthritis or joint issues, a pet message is a great way to reduce pain and help their aching joints.

10. Have a Snowball Fight

Who says snowball fights are just for humans? If you have a furry friend who loves playing in the snow, why not include them in your next snowball fight? Or try throwing the snow up in the air. My dog used to love jumping up and catching the falling snow. To make it even more fun, you can even create a small obstacle course or set up bases for a game of snowball dodgeball or baseball. Just keep an eye on your pet and ensure they do not get too cold or overexerted. And if you have a smaller or more timid pet, you can always let them join in on the fun by tossing snowballs for them to fetch. So bundle up and have a blast with your furry friend this winter with a good old-fashioned snowball fight.

Winter is Fun For People and Pets!

Many people enjoy all that winter has to offer, and even those that live in warmer climates usually travel to the northern regions to enjoy things like skiing, snow boarding and more. As you can see, there are lots of fun things to enjoy in the winter and your pet can join in too. However, if you're not the type to get outdoors much when it's cold it is still very important to get your pets outside. Winter can be a long, dark season; especially for pets who live mostly indoors, so take the opportunity to give your cat or dog a little extra attention, find ways to get them outside, and have fun with them. With just a little preparation you can get any pet "winter ready" so they can handle winter's cold weather safely and enjoy all that the season has in store.