Winter Indoor Activities for Your Pet
As winter settles in, we humans tend to face the cold with warm coats, hot drinks, and cozy blankets. But what about our furry companions? While they might not face the same risks as, say, wild animals, our pets still need special attention during the winter months. Cold weather can complicate pet wellness, mostly because our pets get less physical activity.
But never fear! The team at PetSmart Veterinary Services – Troy has five fun and safe indoor activities to help keep your pets happy and healthy all season long.
5 Cold Weather Activities to Do Indoors
1. Play Games Indoors
When it’s too cold or nasty to spend much time outside, get active indoors with a game like tug-of-war, fetch, or hide-and-seek. Tug-of-war tests your pet’s strength—and yours!—and fetch is excellent cardio for your furry friend. If you have cats, try sending a robotic mouse toy zipping through the house for a little while for some cardio activity.
Hide-and-seek can be great fun, too, especially if you have kids at home. Send your kids or spouse to a fun hiding spot with a treat, and then ask your pet to find them!
2. Invest in Interactive Toys
Puzzle toys can be a lifesaver when you’re busy prepping for the holidays but your pet is getting bored with being inside. Look for puzzle treat dispensers and interactive gadgets like the mouse toy we mentioned earlier. If the toy encourages your pet to problem-solve and get active doing it, it’s a win-win.
3. Create an Agility Course
Get creative by setting up a simple agility course in your home. Use things you already have, like chairs, pillows, and blankets, to create a maze, tunnels, and jumps. Guide your pet through the course—with the help of his favorite treats!
Who knows? Maybe Fido or Kitty will fall in love with agility, and you can start a new hobby with your four-legged pal.
4. Get Cozy for a Movie Night
Nothing says winter like a cozy snuggle. Spending quality time with your pet can help reduce stress for both of you and act like a fuzzy blanket against the winter chill.
Grab a movie, light some flameless candles, and bake some cozy, pet-friendly treats for your furry family members. Then, cuddle up on the couch together and enjoy the warmth and comfort a good snuggle can bring.
Winter Pet Safety and Wellness
Last but not least, make sure you stay on top of your pet’s wellness appointments, vaccinations, and parasite preventives all winter long. Cooler weather does not mean fewer illnesses and pests, even here in Troy.
If it’s been a little while since your pet’s last appointment, reach out to our caring team at PetSmart Veterinary Services – Troy. We’d be happy to give your pet all the attention and medical care she needs for a healthy winter! Call us at (947) 225-0071 to schedule an appointment.