Kelly Mahaffy
Content Director at Mom’s Choice Awards
Winter is here, and as the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to find creative ways to include your pets in seasonal activities. Whether you’re cuddling indoors or exploring the snowy outdoors, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. Here are some ideas to make the most of winter with your furry friends.
1. Snow Day Adventures
If your pet loves the outdoors, take advantage of the snowy weather with these fun activities:
- Snow Play: Dogs often enjoy running through fresh snow or chasing snowballs. Make sure to use pet-safe snow toys to ensure their safety.
- Winter Walks: Bundle up and take your dog for a brisk walk in the crisp winter air. Use booties to protect their paws from ice and salt.
- Skijoring: If you have an active, energetic dog, try skijoring—a winter sport where your dog pulls you while you’re on skis. It’s a great way to stay fit together!
2. Cozy Indoor Activities
Not all pets love the cold, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the fun:
- DIY Puzzle Toys: Create a fun scavenger hunt with treats hidden in puzzle toys to keep their minds sharp.
- Movie Night: Snuggle up with your pets and watch a family-friendly film. Don’t forget some pet-safe treats!
- Training Sessions: Winter is a great time to teach your pet new tricks or reinforce old ones. Use positive reinforcement and keep sessions short to hold their attention.
3. Winter Photoshoots
Capture the magic of the season with a winter-themed photoshoot. Dress your pets in adorable sweaters or scarves and head outside to take photos against a snowy backdrop. For indoor shots, use cozy blankets and twinkling fairy lights to create a warm atmosphere.
4. Pet-Friendly Winter Getaways
Plan a weekend trip to a pet-friendly cabin or resort. Look for destinations with hiking trails, open spaces, and pet-welcoming accommodations to make it a memorable experience for you and your furry companion.
5. Support Wildlife
Teach your kids the importance of giving back to nature during the colder months by creating pet-safe bird feeders. Hang them in your yard and watch as birds visit for a snack, providing entertainment for you and your indoor pets alike.
6. Bake Winter Treats
Whip up some homemade pet treats with seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, peanut butter, or sweet potatoes. Many Mom’s Choice Award-winning books and products offer pet-friendly recipes to inspire your baking adventures.
7. Attend Local Events
Check your local community calendar for pet-friendly winter events, such as holiday parades, charity walks, or pet costume contests. These outings are a great way to socialize and make memories.
Safety Tips for Winter Fun
- Stay Warm: Always dress your pets appropriately for the weather. Sweaters, jackets, and booties can keep them cozy.
- Hydration is Key: Ensure your pets have access to fresh water, even in colder temperatures.
- Watch for Signs of Discomfort: If your pet starts shivering, lifting their paws, or showing signs of distress, it’s time to head indoors.
Winter is a magical time to bond with your pets. With a little creativity and preparation, you can create wonderful memories that will warm your heart even on the coldest days. What are your favorite winter activities to share with your pets? Let us know in the comments below!
About Kelly Mahaffy
Kelly Mahaffy is a seasoned professional passionate about empowering families through quality content. As the Content Director at Mom’s Choice Awards, Kelly oversees the strategic development and curation of educational and entertaining content aimed at parents and caregivers. With a background in marketing and a deep understanding of the needs of modern families, Kelly is dedicated to providing valuable resources and insights to support families in their journey of raising happy, healthy children.
View all posts by Kelly Mahaffy here.
15 Comments on “Fun Winter Plans You Can Include with Your Pets”
Pets are so wonderful for individuals and families. I don’t currently have a pet but ones I had in the past loved walking in the snow with me.
Wonderful ideas for your pets
Our dogs don’t want any parts of the cold or snow. We have to force them to go out. The are so cute a photo shoot would be great. This article has many tips that we will try.
I think I will do a winter photo shoot with BO!!
I love winter and snow, even though we never get any here in central Texas. I certainly appreciate all of the fun activities you suggested. I will have to try some of them.
Me and my 2 doggies have been having fun in the snow, but now I feel like a bad pet mommy, I don’t have sweaters, booties or anything while we are outside. And I certainly didn’t realize they could get dehydrated in the cold. I assumed since they both like eating the snow they would be okay. Thank you for this article. I need to order them some cute lil shoes and sweaters.
I love to take my dog out in the snow, He loves to roll around in it!
We have been making different types of bird feeders for birds. When we garden or landscape we incorporate wildlife friendly plants to attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife.
Good ideas
Rain, Rain, Rain- it rains so much here in Oregon- that we always look for fun ways to entertain our pups indoors. I appreciate the tips and ideas for indoor activities and some fun ways to enjoy the outdoors, even when it’s cold!
I love the ideas you have shared. Will be trying them all out. Thanks
These are some really great ideas! I would like to try out baking some pet-friendly treats. Thank you for sharing!
I love the idea of whipping up some homemade pet treats!
Thank you so much for the ideas! I am trying to get my brother-in-law’s family dog to start enjoying his time outdoors. He has anxiety that is worse than mine!
We just began using bird feeders. It’s amazing how many different birds have come to visit our yard. Our favorite is the big woodpecker.