What will your pets do with themselves when they can’t go outside to play during cold winter months? What will your cat do if there are no sunny spots to lay in or birds to watch?

You can help your pet remain engaged and interested this winter by providing alternatives to boredom. When pets are stuck inside and don’t have healthy and acceptable activities, they can be destructive, bored and even develop Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression.

Most dogs are used to outdoor activities, which become severely limited during winter. Although they still need their daily walks and time outside for bathroom issues, these times will be shortened. Fetch, swimming and warm weather games will have to be replaced by indoor fun.

Cats, even if they live indoors year ‘round, still enjoy the activity going on outside their window, watching birds, the mailman, etc., and they like to position themselves in the sun’s rays coming through the window. These rays are limited in winter.

For dogs, busy toys such as Kongs filled with treats, puzzle mats and more play time with you inside will help them to burn off extra energy and engage their minds, which will make a happier dog. New activity toys will also help them, and a multitude of different toys give them the ability to choose what they want to play with. Take advantage of nice days to get in some extra-long walks.

For cats, providing a heat lamp that mimics the sun, puzzle treat toys and toys that are interactive will keep your cat’s attention and help them to remain interested in what is going on around them. Extra cuddles and playtime with swishing toys can help your cat to get some much-needed exercise and boost their emotional wellbeing.

Indoor winter activity time with your pets is the key to keeping them emotionally and physically fit, and increases the bond with your furry friends.