If you are native to Central Pennsylvania, you know that our winters can be unpredictable, with freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and sudden weather shifts. For our fellow dog parents in Elizabethtown, Hershey, and surrounding communities, keeping dogs safe during winter is a daily concern—both at home and especially when choosing daycare or overnight lodging.
Here at Playful Pups Retreat, caring for dogs in winter goes beyond basic safety. We focus on warmth, comfort, enrichment, and routine, using the same thoughtful practices in our daycare and lodging facilities that we encourage pet parents to use at home.
Add-on services are available to enhance your dog’s day with purposeful activity and mental stimulation. Options such as treadmill sessions, scent room experiences, enrichment activities, and training add-ons provide safe, structured ways for dogs to burn energy, build confidence, and stay engaged—especially during colder months or when outdoor play is limited.
At our overnight lodging location, guests can enjoy customized care through a variety of add-on packages designed to support comfort and enrichment during their stay. Services like individual enrichment sessions, and training add-ons ensure each dog receives personalized attention, mental engagement, and a relaxing, fulfilling experience while away from home.
Understanding Common Winter Risks at Home and in Our Facilities
Central PA winters can be tough on dogs. Cold temperatures, slippery surfaces, and winter chemicals like road salt and antifreeze pose risks. Puppies, senior dogs, and short-haired breeds often feel the effects most.
At Playful Pups Retreat, our trained team keeps a close eye on every dog for signs of cold stress, discomfort, or fatigue during the winter months.
At home, pet parents should also watch for shivering, lifting paws, slowing down on walks, or hesitation to go outside.
Whether at daycare, lodging, or home, catching these signs early helps prevent winter-related issues and keeps dogs feeling their best.
Keeping Dogs Warm, Comfortable, and Protected from the Cold
Limiting exposure to freezing temperatures is essential during winter. At Playful Pups Retreat, dogs never spend extended time outdoors during cold weather. Play and potty breaks are tailored to each dog and adjusted based on size, coat type, and comfort level.
We encourage pet parents to take a similar approach at home by shortening walks on very cold days and opting for multiple brief outings instead.
One of the ways we keep dogs active all winter is through our indoor play space, where dogs can safely run, socialize, and burn energy no matter what the weather looks like outside.
At home, this same approach can be followed by replacing longer outdoor walks with indoor play or short training sessions.
Paw Safety and Cleanliness Are a Winter Priority
Sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways throughout Elizabethtown, Hershey, and Lancaster County are often treated with ice melt during winter. These products can irritate paw pads and may be harmful if ingested.
At our daycare and overnight lodging facilities, winter paw care is part of our daily routine. Dogs’ paws are checked and cleaned after outdoor breaks to remove salt, ice, and moisture.
At home, wiping your dog’s paws with a damp towel after every walk can help prevent irritation and cracking. Dog booties or paw balm can provide extra protection, especially after sidewalks and parking lots are treated.
Staying Active with Indoor Exercise, Training, and Enrichment
When outdoor time is limited, keeping dogs mentally and physically engaged becomes even more important. Winter boredom can quickly lead to excess energy or unwanted behaviors.
Playful Pups Retreat offers add-on services designed specifically to keep dogs busy and fulfilled during the colder months. Our dog treadmill sessions, offered at our Hershey Road location, provide controlled indoor exercise for dogs who need to burn energy safely.
We also offer several dog training programs and enrichment add-ons, including puzzle activities and structured engagement such as our scent room, Sniff Central, which support confidence, focus, and good behavior. These services are especially helpful for high-energy dogs and young dogs.
During overnight stays at our lodging location, guests can choose from a variety of packages that include indoor activities such as cuddle time, brainy games, and training sessions.
At home, pet parents can use food puzzles, basic obedience practice, and short training games to keep dogs busy and mentally sharp.
A Consistent Winter Care Approach You Can Trust
Whether a dog is in daycare, staying overnight with us, or spending winter days at home, the same principles apply: warmth, supervision, cleanliness, and enrichment.
At Playful Pups Retreat, our team follows consistent winter safety standards for every dog in our care. For families in Elizabethtown, Hershey, and surrounding Central Pennsylvania areas, we aim to be both a trusted care provider and an educational resource.
By using the same winter safety habits at home that we use in our facilities, pet parents can help their dogs stay healthy, comfortable, and happy all winter long.
Winter Daycare and Lodging at Playful Pups Retreat
Winter doesn’t have to mean less movement or less fun. With indoor play spaces, treadmill exercise, training programs, and enrichment add-ons, we help dogs thrive even during the coldest months.
Enhance your dog’s daycare experience with our optional add-ons—especially beneficial during the winter months when outdoor time may be limited. Treadmill sessions offer safe, structured indoor exercise, while our scent room and enrichment activities provide meaningful mental stimulation.
We also offer overnight lodging packages that include personalized services such as individual enrichment sessions and training add-ons, ensuring your dog stays engaged, comfortable, and well cared for during their stay.
If you are planning a stay with us or would like to add on services to your pup’s daycare day, contact our team today to learn more. At Playful Pups Retreat, winter safety and enrichment go paw in paw—at our facilities and in your home.
Check out our Facebook page for lots of videos to see first hand how much fun we have with your dogs while they’re in our care!
Written by Kinsey Gall
Kinsey has been a valued member of the Playful Pups Retreat team for over 10 years, with a background in dog training and comprehensive experience across all areas of care, including enrichment daycare, group play, bathing, nail trims, and training support. Guided by Christian, faith-based values, Kinsey brings patience, integrity, and compassion to her work each day. Outside of Playful Pups, she is a proud boy mom, happily married, and shares her home with one dog, one cat, and two snakes.