Creative ways to entertain your dog when it's cold outside

Dog trainer Cathy Guinane says household items, like egg cartons and paper towels, can keep a dog entertained for hours.

Guinane said it's a good way to pass the time when it's too cold to go outside.

"They need to think," she said. "They need to use their brain. It satisfies them. Even if they can't get a whole lot of physical exercise, to think about how to find something, helps them out a lot."

The bitter cold can lead to destructive in-door behavior.

To avoid canine cabin fever, you should keep your dog entertained whether you're at home or not.

The trainer recommends a leftover cardboard box with a little peanut butter, lunch meat, and kibble inside. Fold the flaps in and let your dog play. For safety, you should only do this one when you're at home with your pet.

Another tip: When you're home, put away the toys your dog plays with when you're not there.

"So it's novel and different for the next day," said Guinane.

Even a training class during the week can help with canine cabin fever.

"The more fun people can have with their dogs, the more they can enjoy them and the better quality of life they can give to their animals," said Guinane. "It improves [a human's] quality of life too, and that's the coolest part."