Winter weather means it’s not always possible to spend as much time outside as your pets might be used to. And winter usually means they do more lying around to stay warm. You may need to focus on adding winter enrichment for bored pets to ensure they get exercise and mental stimulation. Here are six tips for keeping your pets entertained throughout the season:
Work on New Tricks
Winter is the ideal time to work on training your pet with some new commands and tricks. With the extra time spent inside, you can devote a few minutes each day to learning something new. Whether you’re starting from the basics like “sit” and “stay,” or are working toward some intermediate or advanced tricks, the winter gives you the chance to do it. When training your pet, remember:
- Use positive reinforcement to encourage your pets to learn
- Work in small chunks of time so your pet doesn’t get overwhelmed
- Be patient as they learn
- Be consistent
- Provide plenty of treats
Play Hide-and-Seek in The House
Give your pet the chance to use their natural hunting instincts by playing hide-and-seek in the house. Whether you hide some food, a favorite toy, or even yourself, letting your pet loose to seek something in the house can provide plenty of entertainment for everyone.
Invest in Some New Toys
Since you’re spending more time in the house, why not add to your pet’s toy collection? Think about adding a few new, interactive toys to your collection. These toys can keep your pet mentally stimulated to prevent boredom. Exercising the brain is just as important as exercising the body, so this is a great activity for a cold winter day.
Spend Some Time on Grooming and Oral Hygiene
Take advantage of more time inside by improving your pet’s grooming and home oral hygiene routines. Spend a little time each day brushing your pet’s coat. This will help prevent matting and move their natural oils through the hair to keep the coat shiny throughout the winter. You can also work on developing a home tooth brushing routine to ensure your pet’s teeth and gums are healthy before your next professional dental cleaning.
Be Creative with Exercise
Just because you’re spending most of your time inside does not mean that you have to sacrifice exercise for yourself or your pet. Think of some ways that you can both move when you’re at home. This can include walking up and down the stairs, playing tag, or playing fetch with a soft toy that won’t break anything in your home.
Enjoy Snuggle Time
Keeping your pet entertained does not always require being active. Get cozy and watch your favorite movie one night to enjoy extra snuggle time with your furry friend. The more time you spend together, the less time your pet will have to be bored.
Choose a few of these six ideas to try out for winter enrichment for bored pets. Happy winter!
At Westarbor Animal Hospital, we want to provide pet owner resources that complement our high-quality veterinary services. Our dedicated team is here to help you provide the best life for your pets. Call (734) 769-5391 to learn more about our services or to schedule your next visit.
