It’s midwinter, we’re most of us going to be experiencing lots of cold weather, winter precipitation, and lots more time indoors than in other seasons. Inactivity isn’t good for anyone, including our pets. Our friends at Babbleboxx sent us some fun goodies to help make a care package for pets that will help keep the winter doldrums away and give us some new ways to keep the dog, the cat, and even ourselves- amused. There are 3 main things to keeping pets happy in winter- activity, feeding and attention. I don’t eat the same things in winter that I do in summer, so why shouldn’t I let our furry family members have some changes in their diets as well?
Keeping Pets Happy in Winter
Brownie’s still a puppy. She’ll be 1 in a few months but she likes to be busy, or we find her getting into mischief (I didn’t know dogs could chew baseboards until this puppy…). We have some toys that we give her just for her crate time, and others we just use for tug, catch, etc. We try to get her mind exercised even if her body isn’t moving as much and fun new toys are a great way to do that. Crate toys keep her busy a while, but also keep her from getting stressed from being in her crate. With winter weather, I’m longer on travel time, so a trip to the grocery store might normally mean an hour or two in the crate, but in snowy conditions, it’s bumped a bit longer…and she’s not used to long periods of time alone. I’m home full time with her.
The Hartz® Dura Play® Bone Dog Toy is her newest toy- this one, we gave her in the crate, and she was so excited she ran to the living room, showed us all her toy, and ran back into her crate. She loves it- good size for her puppy mouth and durable so it won’t fall to pieces when she’s playing with it- solo or with us. It’s also her first bacon scented dog toy, so that’s even more exciting for her! This dog bone also floats, so I have a feeling come summertime, it’ll become a water play toy as well.
I don’t know about you, but our Brownie doesn’t like walking around in winter weather. She also refuses doggie boots. That’s kind of an issue since she doesn’t go in a litter box — and bless her heart, she couldn’t deal with the -11 temps over night the other night and she had an accident in the house. Thankfully, I’d anticipated her having an issue and had set out some of theHARTZ® Home Protection™ Odor Eliminating Dog Pads– so while she did have an accident, cleanup was a breeze (and haha, they actually have Febreze in them, so no odors to make the area by the door smell like there was an accident ever took place!). With these pads, liquid instantly turns to gel and as a result- no leaks, no spreading…no odor. I’m glad I thought to put one by the door we use to go out- poor Brownie was just beside herself with the cold, the snow and the wind. Hartz also makes a wide variety of products that can help keep your pet comfortable and entertained- and you can grab some money saving coupons for them here!
The kitties need some attention as well- even indoor kitties want some new toys and treats on occasion. My kids love to play with our cat, when she allows them too (she spends most of her time, especially in the past week with the super cold weather, hiding out and burrowed in the blankets in one of our beds). When she’s in the mood, she loves to chase lasers, bat newspaper and chase mice (apparently she’s not one to notice a real mouse…).The Hartz® Just for Cats® Twirl and Whirl™ Cat Toy is a fun new interactive cat toy that we can take out and entertain Rosie (and ourselves) with whenever a storm hits- it’s a great size to tuck into a drawer and take out as needed!
What cat can resist feathers? Not Rosie. Unless it’s a day she’s hibernating, or crabby at the puppy. We know she’ll love this and it’ll be a fun surprise at the next storm. The Delectables™ Bisque Lickable cat Treats will be a yummy reward for her for allowing us to play with her.
If your pet will go outside with you or has no choice, be sure to watch their paws carefully for discomfort- many products put on the roads in some areas (Connecticut) can be harmful to our pets’ paws. We frequently wash Brownie’s paws— she thinks she is having spa time, we’re just making sure she’s not in pain! We have not yet found the right coat or jacket for her but will soon. If your pet will tolerate boots, definitely invest in some.
A few different flavors of cat or dog treats, a few new toys to play with (alone or with you), and you’ll find some fun new ways of keeping your pets happy in winter. Even playing hide and seek with your pet will keep their mind going and get their brain some exercise!
Besides, who doesn’t like a fun surprise? Brownie loves getting packages in the mail- and yes, she has learned to open them!
Grab coupons for these items and more to make a winter care package surprise for your pets!
This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Single Edition Media.
Krystal says
My pups are going to love this! This is a great gift idea too for a dog lover!
Marielle Altenor says
Heheh I can imagine their excitement when they get something in the mail! I know I get pretty excited too.
Shannon Gurnee says
I love subscription boxes! This one for dogs looks like it has a lot of great goodies in it!
Lynndee says
Such a cute doggie and he sure looked happy with what he’s got in the mail. 🙂 That is just so nice that dogs get special treats like those.
Bonnie @wemake7 says
That looks like a great box. I will have to tell my mom about this. She has 2 kitties.=)
Sicorra@NotNowMomsBusy says
Love the pictures! So cute!
We have 2 cats and we do everything we can to make sure they are happy and healthy.
Brianna L. George (@BriannaLGeorge) says
You have some happy looking pets. What a tnice way to treat them during a cold winter.
Chubskulit Rose says
Those will definitely keep your furr baby busy. My JRT loves playing goalie inside the house.
Up Run for Life says
We have three dogs and they usually enjoy playing chase in the house or playing fetch with the toys. My yorkie is the most active.
Alyssa C says
I am loving your pics. This would be perfect for our pup. Thank you for sharing.
Ann Bacciaglia says
A winter care package is a great idea. I will have to print off the coupons and make one to send to my Sister for her fur babies.
Kelli @ 3 Boys and a Dog says
These are great little boxes for a furry friends! And you are absolutely right, it doesn’t just keep the dog and cat busy, but it also keeps the kiddos busy and entertained with our animals!
Melissa says
These are great tips for keeping the pets busy during the winter. My dogs are so bored!
Chrystal | Nevermore Lane says
Winter is rough on my dogs. They want to play outside so bad and while they do play in the snow a bit, you can tell they are freezing and have to bring them back in. So sad.
Kathy says
This sounds like a wonderful boxes full of a lot of great things for your pets. I have a two cats, so this would be great for them. I’m sure they’d love everything that comes with it.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Bacon scented toy? Oh wow. My fur baby would love this! I have to get him one. He sometimes seems to be bored playing with his stuffed monkey and super mario.
victoria says
Looks like a great stuff for the pets. We don’t have a pets my mom was allergic
OurFamilyWorld says
What an adorable dog. These sound like great products. My puppy also loves getting packages in the mail.
ricci says
Your fur baby is adorable!! Looks like he loves that toy too!!
Mistee Dawn says
Aww, Brownie is so cute! It can definitely be hard to make my cats happy during the col, boring winter months.
Heather Pfingsten says
We have two pups and do everything in our power to keep them as happy, healthy, and smelling good as possible; especially during the winter. Toys are a must and so are good foods and bath time here and there. Thank you for sharing some fun toys and products that keep your furbaby happy too!
April Mims says
My dog loves those bones! He carries them all over the house and I usually end up finding one in the bed when I make the bed in the morning.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Sounds like there was a lot of great stuff in there. I think this is a cool idea for pets 🙂
Miles L. says
Pets are part of the family. This is the main reason I don’t neglect them. These are great pet products.
Liz Mays says
Our cat would love that Twirl and Whirl toy. I bet she’d love the lickable treats too. We haven’t tried those.
Jeanette says
I love your dog. He is beautiful! This time I don’t have an animal and I miss it. I am hoping by the end of this year we will have another dog it will probably spoil it rotten.