When the temperatures drop and snow blankets the ground, our instincts tell us to curl up inside and hibernate. However, we often forget that our four-legged friends need the fresh air and exercise. While it’s tempting to spend the colder months snoozing by the fire, physical activity and mental stimulation remain just as important for our canine companions in winter as they are in summer. In fact, staying active during the cold season plays a vital role in maintaining your dog’s overall health, behavior, and happiness.
If you’re wondering how to keep a dog active in winter, you’re not alone. Many pet owners face the same challenge of balancing safety, exercise, and enrichment when the weather makes outdoor play more difficult. The good news? With a bit of creativity and planning, you can keep your pup moving and healthy no matter how chilly it gets outside.
More than Just Another Dog Lover
If you’re wondering who is offering you advice on how to keep a dog active in winter, that is a valid question. And one that we are happy to answer. Our team of dog lovers and enthusiasts wants to ensure your pups stay comfortable and active not just through colder months, but all year long. At BioZyme®, we make Vitalize®, a line of supplements for horses, dogs, and cats with proven solutions to keep your animal healthy and performing. However, nutrition is just one part of their health equation. The rest relies upon mental stimulation and exercise!
Why Winter Exercise Matters for Dogs
Just like people, dogs need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight, build strong muscles, and support cardiovascular health. But the benefits of activity stretch beyond physical needs. Exercise is also one of the most effective ways to reduce boredom, prevent destructive behavior, and strengthen the bond you share with your dog.
When winter arrives, daily walks and backyard fetch sessions often become less frequent. But cutting back too much on activity can lead to:
- Weight gain: Reduced exercise and the same food intake can cause dogs to put on extra pounds, which may lead to joint strain or other health problems.
- Behavioral issues: Lack of stimulation can lead to anxiety, chewing, digging, or other unwanted behaviors.
- Reduced immune health: Just like humans, dogs benefit from regular movement that supports circulation, digestion, and immune function.
Keeping your dog active in winter doesn’t have to mean braving blizzards for long hikes. With a mix of indoor and outdoor activities with some simple adjustments to your routine, you can help them stay fit, happy, and healthy all season long.
Seven Ways How to Keep a Dog Active in Winter
1. Make the Most of Outdoor Time
Even when the weather is less than ideal, most dogs still enjoy being outside — if only for shorter periods. The key is to make those outings safe and engaging and schedule them during the warmest, sunniest parts of the day, when possible.
Short, Frequent Walks
If long walks aren’t an option, try breaking exercise into shorter, more frequent sessions. A 10-minute walk three times a day can be just as beneficial as one long outing. Watch for signs of discomfort, such as shivering or lifting paws off the ground, and always keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Dress for the Weather
Smaller breeds, short-haired dogs, puppies, and seniors often benefit from extra insulation. A waterproof coat or sweater can help retain body heat, while dog booties protect sensitive paws from ice, salt, and cold surfaces.
Play Winter Games
Snow days can be a blast for dogs. If conditions are safe, try games like:
- Snow fetch: Use a brightly colored ball or toy that’s easy to find.
- Snow maze: Shovel paths or trails in your yard for your dog to navigate.
- Hide and seek: Bury toys or treats in shallow snow for them to sniff out.
These games add a layer of mental enrichment to outdoor exercise while encouraging instincts like sniffing and problem-solving.
2. Create Indoor Exercise Opportunities
When the weather turns truly brutal, you’ll need a plan B. Luckily, indoor activities can be just as fun and effective for keeping your dog active in winter, as long as you have the space.
Indoor Fetch or Tug-of-War
Clear some space in a hallway or large room and toss a soft toy or ball for your dog to retrieve. Tug-of-war with a sturdy rope is another great way to burn energy and strengthen your bond. Just remember to let your dog “win” occasionally to keep the game fun.
Stair Climbing
If your home has stairs that your dog will climb, use them as a built-in workout tool. Toss a toy up the steps and have your dog retrieve it, or walk up and down together for a cardio boost. This is especially good for high-energy breeds that need more intense activity.
DIY Agility Course
Get creative with household items: set up broomsticks for jumps, use cushions for weaving obstacles, or create tunnels from cardboard boxes. Short training sessions like this not only provide physical exercise but also improve coordination and focus.
3. Focus on Mental Stimulation
Outdoor activities engage our dogs both physically and mentally, so make sure to keep their mind in shape just like you do their bodies. Winter is the perfect time to boost your dog’s brain power through games and enrichment activities.
Puzzle Feeders & Treat Toys
Food-dispensing toys and puzzle feeders turn mealtime into a challenge. They encourage problem-solving, slow down fast eaters, and provide mental stimulation.
Scent Work
Hide small treats around the house and encourage your dog to find them using their nose. Start with easy spots and gradually make the game more challenging. Scent games mimic natural foraging behavior and provide excellent mental stimulation.
Learn New Tricks
Winter downtime is ideal for training. Teaching new tricks or reinforcing obedience commands strengthens communication and builds confidence. Whether it’s “roll over” or “clean up your toys,” a few minutes of training a day can go a long way while building confidence for both you and your pet.
4. Schedule Playdates & Social Activities
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your dog has to be isolated. Social interaction is another important form of enrichment that keeps dogs happy and balanced.
- Indoor dog parks: Many urban areas offer climate-controlled play spaces where dogs can run and interact.
- Playdates: Invite a friend’s dog over for a supervised indoor play session. It’s important to know that the dogs get along with one another before planning a play session.
- Doggy daycare: If your schedule is busy, a few hours at daycare can provide both exercise and socialization.
Social play helps burn off energy, teaches communication skills, and reduces the risk of boredom-related behaviors, all of which are especially valuable during the long winter months.
5. Adjust Nutrition to Match Activity Levels
When you’re figuring out how to keep a dog active in winter, nutrition is an often-overlooked piece of the puzzle. If your dog is naturally less active during the colder months, you may need to slightly adjust their calorie intake to avoid weight gain. Conversely, if your dog is working harder to stay warm and active outdoors, they might need extra fuel.
Winter can also be challenging for immune systems, so supporting your dog’s overall health with high-quality nutrition and targeted supplements can make a big difference for their immune systems. A balanced diet that supports digestion, joint health, and immunity ensures your dog gets the most out of every indoor and outdoor activity.
6. Monitor Health & Safety in Cold Weather
Keeping your dog active in winter is important, but safety always comes first. Here are a few key reminders:
- Watch for frostbite or hypothermia: Symptoms like shivering, lethargy, or pale skin mean it’s time to warm up immediately.
- Check paws regularly: Ice, salt, and chemical deicers can irritate paw pads. Wipe paws after walks and consider protective balms.
- Stay visible: Dark mornings and evenings mean it’s easy for dogs to go unseen. Reflective gear or LED collars improve safety.
If your dog has arthritis, is elderly, or has a chronic health condition, consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to their activity routine.
7. Make Movement Part of Your Daily Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to keeping dogs active — especially in winter. Establishing a predictable routine helps maintain both physical and mental health. Even on the coldest days, aim for at least 30 minutes of combined physical and mental stimulation. Breaking this into shorter sessions throughout the day can make it more manageable for you and more enjoyable for your dog.
Vitalize Can Help
Winter doesn’t have to mean a season of inactivity for you or your dog. With a combination of outdoor adventures, indoor games, mental enrichment, and social opportunities, you can keep your dog moving and thriving even on the coldest days.
The secret for how to keep a dog active in winter? Get creative. We’ve shared some great dynamic tips to getting your furry friend active during the cold. Whether it’s a brisk walk in the snow, a stair-climbing session indoors, or a scent-finding game around the house, every bit of movement contributes to a healthier, happier pup.
If you have anything you like to do to keep your dog active come wintertime, share it in the comments down below. We love to hear to hear from our readers about how they support the animals in their lives through challenges!
But, speaking of “a healthier, happier pup,” we want to ensure they stay healthy from the inside out. That’s why we make supplements like Vitalize for your dog’s health.
Vitalize is powered by two proprietary ingredients: AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility, and MHB3®, a patented high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. With Amaferm improving digestibility, we know that your dog will be healthier, as 70% of the immune response is found in the digestive system. Further canine studies show that dogs that have been fed Amaferm experience fewer stillbirths, produce larger litters, and wean more puppies.
Here is a rundown of the products Vitalize offers.
Vitalize® Dog
Vitalize® Dog is a granular vitamin and mineral supplement for dogs designed to support breeding and performance. It contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility, omegas for healthy skin and hair, and a high-quality blend of vitamins and minerals for daily support of any diet.
Vitalize® Alimend® K9
Vitalize Alimend K9 is a liquid product for dogs designed to support gastric health and GI tissue and which may relieve occasional gastric issues. In addition to Amaferm, it contains MHB3®, a patented high molecular weight hyaluronic acid that coats the stomach and supports GI tissue integrity. It also contains beta-glucans to support the gut and immune system.
Vitalize® Dog Gel
Vitalize Dog Gel is a prebiotic and nutrient-rich gel for dogs. It immediately supports the digestive and immune systems. It contains Amaferm and MOS to help normalize gut microflora and the immune system. The gel works fast to support appetite and hydration.
Vitalize® Trixsyn® Canine
Vitalize Trixsyn Canine is a liquid product for dogs. It uses hyaluronic acid to support joint health. All Trixsyn products feature MHB3®, a patented high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. This ingredient supports hip and joint health and boosts mobility.
Vitalize® Trixsyn® Canine Performance
Vitalize Trixsyn Canine Performance is a liquid product for dogs that supports total mobility utilizing hyaluronic acid. It supports hip, joint, and soft tissue health. The performance formula helps maintain a normal inflammatory response and supports normal exercise recovery. The ingredients feature MHB3 and astaxanthin, a natural red algae-derived antioxidant. Astaxanthin assists with soft tissue health, muscular
Get your Vitalize Today!
So, grab a coat, pull on those boots, and get ready to make the most of the season. Winter can be a time of fun, fitness, and bonding for you and your dog, and with the right plan in place, you’ll both come out stronger on the other side of it.
No matter which way you select to keep your dog active in winter, it will need nutritional and joint support.
Up the game on your dog’s nutrition by providing it Vitalize as part of its daily diet. Get your Vitalize today. We have made purchasing Vitalize as easy as possible.
You can visit your local dealer to purchase Vitalize products. Locate a dealer near you today.
Perhaps you prefer the convenience of online shopping. You can shop online and have Vitalize delivered right to your front door.
