This time of year, you can find me huddled inside, keeping busy with my indoor hobbies like baking or crafts and counting the days until springtime arrives once again. 

While we keep ourselves entertained indoors, it’s important to remember that our pets still require enrichment too. When sidewalks are icy and the sun sets at 5 p.m., it can be tough to get out for dog walks as often as we do in the summertime. Here are a few fun, enriching indoor activities you can share with your pet this winter.

1. DITCH THE BOWL

Use Ditch the Bowl training methods to keep your dog entertained. An easy way to do this is feeding your pet’s meal in a snuffle mat or other puzzle feeder. A snuffle mat is a pad of felt strips that you can hide kibble or treats in for a dog or cat to find, which you can easily make at home with a plastic bath mat and felt blanket. 

Snuffle mats and puzzle feeders are mentally stimulating, slow down your pet’s eating and let them express their foraging instincts.

2. LEARN NEW TRICKS

What better way to bond with your pet than to learn new tricks together? Even cats can learn tricks such as high-five or spin. Now is a great time to help your pet master their basic obedience skills like sit, down, stay and recall—or learn a fun one like bringing you the TV remote.

3. ROTATE TOYS

Break out those new toys from Santa Paws and add some novelty to your pet’s winter. 

Here’s a tip to keep toys novel without breaking the bank: keep your pet’s stash of toys out of reach and rotate through a few different toys each week. By the time you reintroduce an old favorite, it will be just as exciting as if it were brand new.

4. GO TO THE PET STORE

When you’re not up for a chilly walk outside, head to a pet store for a fun outing full of new sights, smells and friends. Many home improvement stores are also pet friendly and large enough to get a decent-sized walk in. 

A quick trip can give your dog or leashed cat some exercise and mental stimulation without worrying about icy sidewalks.

5. SPEND QUALITY TIME

Lastly, simply spending time together is probably one of your pet’s favorite activities. Snuggle up on the couch, groom their fur, play with toys and include them in your daily activities as much as possible. Time spent with our beloved pets is finite, so make it count and enjoy your furry friend’s precious companionship.

If you don’t have a pet to spend the winter with, consider adopting from your local animal shelter or rescue. There are many wonderful dogs and cats waiting for a warm couch and a loving home this season. 

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