Beating the winter blues: How to stay active with your pet in cold weather
December 4, 2025
Shorter days and freezing temperatures often discourage outdoor activity, but for pet owners, hibernation isn’t an option.
Mark Freeman, clinical associate professor of community practice at the Virginia Tech Veterinary Teaching Hospital, offers guidance on how to safely keep tails wagging through the coldest months of the year.
"When exercising pets outdoors in the winter, there are multiple potential hazards to consider," Freeman said.
He warns that road salt — a common sight in winter — can cause issues for paws.
"While not generally toxic, road salt can be extremely irritating to the skin on the pads and feet,” Freeman said. “Add some snow to get the feet and fur wet, and the problem is compounded."
To combat this, Freeman suggests using rubber boots if your pet will tolerate them. "If that's just not an option, be sure to wash the pet's feet thoroughly with mild soap and warm water to get rid of any residual salts," Freeman added,
Owners should also remain vigilant about what their pets might find on the ground.
"Antifreeze is another concern," Freeman said. "The majority of antifreeze products are highly toxic to dogs and cats, even in small doses, and many of them are sweet, which makes them interesting enough for pets to taste them."
Finally, be mindful of the thermometer.
"Extreme low temperatures also put our pets at risk for frostbite, so limiting their time outdoors when temperatures are below freezing is recommended," Freeman said. "When the wind chill factor temperature falls below zero, frostbite can occur in as little as 5-10 minutes, with feet and ears being highly susceptible."
Given these outdoor risks, many owners may prefer to spend more time inside. However, your pet’s exercise needs stay the same regardless of the weather. Here are some tips to keep your pet’s mind and body active while in the house.
Create space to play indoors
Many dogs get their daily exercise from walks, but sometimes, it's too chilly and icy to be outside for long periods of time, especially if you have a dog who is unsuited for cold weather.
Instead of going for a long walk in harsh weather, go for a shorter walk and play with your dog indoors instead. Playing fetch is a great way for your dog to burn some energy, so clear some space and let your dog pick up speed. A hallway is a great place to play fetch, since you are less likely to knock anything over. Be mindful of hardwood and tile flooring, which can be slippery; instead, opt to play in carpeted areas.
What about our feline friends? For many households, the holiday season means tons of extra deliveries, so hang on to some of the boxes for your cat to play with. A stack of boxes in the corner easily becomes a kitty playground. Try using a wand toy to coax your cat into jumping and exploring.
Keep your pet’s brain active
Is your pet bouncing off the walls? Mental stimulation can reduce boredom and enrich your pet’s life. This winter, try:
Teaching your pet new tricks. Tricks aren’t just for dogs—you can train cats to perform tricks as well.
Using a puzzle feeder. In addition to the mental challenge, puzzle feeders force your pet to eat at a healthier pace.
Attending an obedience class. Many of these classes are held indoors and give your dog an opportunity for mental stimulation and socialization.
While all pets need engagement, Freeman notes that certain dogs may need more attention than others during the slow winter months.
"Many breeds of dogs were bred to be workers, and as such, demand a much higher level of both physical and mental stimulation," Freeman said.
“When we think of working breeds, we typically think of border collies, Australian shepherds, and Australian cattle dogs, but also have to include the Siberian husky, Alaskan malamute, German shepherd and Belgian Malinois among others, all of which need tremendous amounts of mental and physical stimulation to be healthy and happy.”
"Some other breeds that are less often considered include any of the terrier breeds, schnauzers, and some of the sighthound breeds like whippets and greyhounds," Freeman said. "These dogs were also bred to have a job and need a lot of stimulation to maintain good mental health."
Freeman suggests that scheduling play dates with other dogs can be a great way for your pet to get maximum mental and physical stimulation and can be done indoors when the weather is inclement.
When scheduling play sessions, be sure to pick dogs who are a good match for your dog’s size and energy.
Create dedicated play time
As the days grow shorter, it can be difficult to keep track of time, so set a reminder on your phone to play with your pet multiple times a week.
Try playing with your pet for the duration of a favorite TV show, podcast, or album — if you enjoy regular play time as much as your pet does, you will be more likely to make it a habit.
"Keeping your pet active year-round is a sure way to help them live a long and happy life," Freeman said. “Physically and mentally stimulating activities help your pet stay in good physical condition which avoids many age-related health problems and keeps their brains functioning well to reduce the risk of age-related cognitive dysfunction.”
So don't let the cold weather freeze your routine. With a little preparation and creativity, you and your pet can stay healthy, happy, and successfully beat the winter blues together.