How to Manage Restless Pets in Winter

When the cold settles over Columbus, even the most easygoing pets can turn a little stir-crazy. Shorter days and icy sidewalks often mean less time outdoors, leaving dogs and cats with extra energy and fewer outlets for it. At Animal Care Unlimited, we see winter pet behavior shift every year, and we’re here to help you keep your restless pets in winter feeling content, exercised, and mentally stimulated.

Why Pets Get More Energetic (or Anxious) in Winter

Winter disrupts routines, and our pets feel that change just as strongly as we do. Reduced daylight, chilly weather, and slippery walking conditions can all mean fewer opportunities for physical activity. Combine that with boredom, and it’s no surprise that keeping pets entertained indoors becomes a seasonal challenge.

A little extra restlessness is normal, but this shift in behavior can show up in different ways. You may notice:

• Increased whining or pacing
• Demands for more attention
• Overgrooming in cats
• Chewing or destructive behavior
• Barking at every little sound

While these behaviors can be frustrating, they’re usually just your pet saying, “I need something to do!” Luckily, there are plenty of indoor activities for dogs and cats that can help channel that extra energy.

Indoor Activities to Help Dogs Burn Energy

Dogs, especially active breeds, often struggle most when winter hits. You don’t have to brave freezing winds for your pup to stay in good spirits. Introduce a range of activities indoors to replace some of the movement they miss outdoors.

Try incorporating:

• Puzzle toys and food-dispensing games to challenge their minds
• DIY obstacle courses using chairs, cushions, or boxes
• Short training sessions to reinforce commands and encourage focus
• Indoor fetch or hallway sprints for bursts of physical activity or the zoomies
• Hide-and-seek games that tap into their natural instinct to follow scent and sound

These ideas keep things fresh while offering physical and mental stimulation. The key is variety—switching things up helps prevent boredom and gives your dog new ways to stay engaged.

Keeping Indoor Cats Happy and Active

Cats may act like winter royalty, lounging in warm sunbeams, but they also get restless when the world outside becomes less enticing. Indoor activities for cats are just as important as winter exercise for pets of the canine variety.

Helpful ideas include:

• Vertical climbing spaces like cat trees or wall shelves
• Interactive wand toys to mimic hunting behavior
• Rotating toy selections to keep playtime interesting
• Food puzzles that encourage foraging
• Bird or squirrel videos for safe and cozy “outdoor viewing”

Cats often benefit from several short play sessions throughout the day. Offering movement and enrichment helps reduce stress, curb unwanted behaviors, and make winter feel a little more exciting.

Creating a Cozy, Enriching Environment

Whether you have a dog or a cat, a comfortable indoor environment sets the stage for calmer winter behavior. Simple adjustments can ease winter blues and help your pet settle into the season with less fuss.

You might try:

• Designated cozy spaces with soft bedding where your pet can decompress
• Safe windows or perches for natural light exposure
• Routine adjustments that keep feeding and playtime predictable
• Scent-based enrichment like catnip, dog-safe herbs, or rotating household scents
• Quality time through grooming, petting, or bonding activities

These changes may seem small, but they make a big difference in how pets cope with being indoors for longer stretches. When paired with stimulating activities, a warm, welcoming home environment can reduce stress and help keep pets emotionally balanced.

When to Ask for Help

If your pet’s restlessness becomes excessive, interferes with daily life, or seems tied to anxiety, it may be time to schedule a wellness visit. Sometimes winter pet behavior reflects an underlying issue—pain, stress, or medical conditions can all contribute. A veterinary evaluation provides clarity and ensures your pet gets the support they need, and our Fear Free Certified Professionals are specially trained to make that experience as calm and comforting as possible.

Keep Your Pet Comfortable and Confident All Season Long

Winter doesn’t have to be a drag for your four-legged family members. With a mix of indoor enrichment, routine adjustments, and thoughtful attention, you can make colder months more enjoyable for everyone. 

If you’re noticing shifts in behavior or want personalized advice on managing restless pets in winter, our veterinarians and staff are here to help. Call us at (614) 766-2317 to schedule a wellness visit today.