If summer temperatures have you and your pet “feline” hot, hot, hot, you’re not alone. The entire Commonwealth Animal Care team already is eagerly awaiting the first whiff of winter’s chill. Fortunately, if you and your furry friend are stuck indoors because of the hot weather, you can buy or make many fun and effective games and toys for your pet to beat the heat, exercise safely, and avoid total boredom.
Crank up the air conditioning, refill the water bowl, and chill out with these fun-without-sun indoor activities for pets.
#1: Frozen food-stuffed toys for treat-loving pets
Nothing says summer like ice cream, but dairy products can upset pets. Fortunately, frozen food-stuffed toys, such as Kongs West Paw Toppls and Licki-Mats, provide a paw-some alternative you can tailor to your pet’s palate, muzzle shape, and dietary needs. Check out the Kong website for recipe inspiration.
Licking and chewing are endorphin-releasing activities that promote relaxation and satisfaction, making these toys a great help for anxious or high-energy pets. If you’re using a Kong, place a straw in the smaller hole before freezing to avoid tongue entrapment during licking. Always supervise your pet during play and regularly inspect toys for wear and tear.
#2: Sniffing games for nosy pets
Sniffing is a powerful mental exercise for dogs and cats. According to some experts, 20 minutes of intentional sniffing is equivalent to a one hour walk with your dog, making sniffing the perfect indoor activity during the dog days of summer.
Indoor sniffing games can be as simple or complex as you and your pet prefer. Our favorites include:
- Snuffle mats — These mats typically feature closely woven fleece strips where you can hide your pet’s dry food or treats.
- Activity mats — Pet activity mats are great for dogs and cats who have mastered the snuffle mat and need an additional challenge.
- Hide-and-seek — In a small room, hide your pet’s favorite toy or a smelly treat that you encourage your pet to find. Start with easy searches, and gradually increase the difficulty when your pet learns the game.
- Nose work — Teach your dog or cat to sniff out target odors with online training courses from Fenzi Dog Sports Academy or Scentwork University.
#3: Trick training for smarty-pets
Trick training encourages mental and physical activity for pets of all ages, sizes, and energy levels. Go beyond “Sit” and “Down,” and teach your pet to roll over, walk backwards, or do a handstand against the wall. There’s no limit to what you and your pet can learn through trick training, as long as you teach each skill with patience, positive reinforcement, and lots of fun rewards.
Watch the American Kennel Club Trick Dog YouTube channel and the Do More With Your Dog program to learn all about trick training, find inspiration, and watch step-by-step tutorials.
#4: Indoor digging pit for exploration-loving pets
If your dog loves to get their paws dirty outside, a kiddie pool filled with plastic balls or similar items is an indoor alternative. Hide treats and toys among the balls to encourage your pet to hunt out the buried treasure. You can also increase the challenge by adding layers with towels.
#5: Pet fitness exercises to help build strength and confidence
Pet fitness exercises are simple veterinary physical actions derived from veterinary rehabilitation used to increase flexibility, build strength, improve coordination, and generally improve mobility and body awareness. Plus, they’re fun for pets.
Talk to your pet’s veterinarian to ensure that a structured fitness regimen is appropriate for your pet, and then begin with one to three repetitions of these exercises. You may use a treat to lure your pet into position and reward them for each repetition.
- Sit to stand — Ask your pet to sit, and then walk forward into a standing position. Repeat.
- Leg weave — Stand with your legs apart and use a treat to lure your dog or cat through in a figure eight pattern.
- Front paws up — Invite your pet to put their two front feet on a solid object no higher than their elbow.
- Rear paws up — Lure your pet over the object until their front feet are on the floor and their back feet are on the object.
- Unstable surface — Walk your pet over a slightly unstable object, such as an inflated air mattress, couch cushion, or inflatable balance disc.
#6: Indoor obstacle course for playful pets
Agility isn’t only for superstar athletes. You can easily create a safe low-impact obstacle course with everyday items around your home. Although your course may not look like the one on the television, we doubt your pet will mind! DIY obstacle ideas include:
- Tunnels — Children’s play tunnels or cat tunnels encourage your pet to go low.
- Jumps — Set broomsticks or dowel rods on stacked books or insert them into laundry baskets. Keep the bars low (e.g., no higher than your pet’s ankle) to prevent injury.
- Plank obstacles — Set couch cushions in a line or place your dog’s car ramp across two stable low-height objects to challenge your pet’s balance.
- Pause table — Have your pet step inside a low-sided cardboard box, jump on a couch cushion, or lie down on a rug or mat.
- Weave poles — Lure your pet back and forth between soccer cones, soup cans, or similar vertical objects with treats.
Keep your pet cool, safe, and satisfied during the dog days of summer by exercising indoors. You can see from our ideas, it’s not hard! If you must exercise outdoors, stick to early morning or late evening hours and avoid hot asphalt. For additional heat safety tips or to schedule an appointment, contact Commonwealth Animal Care.
Leave A Comment