As the summer heat ramps up, it’s only natural to spend more time indoors to keep cool. But while you’re lounging in the air conditioning, your pets might be getting a little stir-crazy. Keeping your furry friends entertained indoors is key to their happiness and well-being. Plus, even though your pets are inside, they aren’t entirely safe from fleas, ticks, or heartworms. So, let’s explore some fun indoor activities that will keep your pets engaged, healthy, and safe this summer!
Engaging Indoor Activities for Dogs
Interactive Toys and Food Puzzles: Dogs need mental stimulation just as much as physical exercise. Food puzzles and interactive toys are fantastic ways to keep your dog engaged. These toys challenge your dog to think and work for their treats, which can help prevent boredom and its associated behaviors, like chewing on furniture or shoes.
Training Sessions: Summer is a great time to brush up on your dog’s obedience skills or teach them new tricks. Short, five-minute training sessions spread throughout the day are perfect for reinforcing good behavior and providing mental stimulation. Plus, it strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
Indoor Fetch and Tug-of-War: If you’ve got the space, indoor fetch can be a great way to burn off energy. Just make sure to clear the area of any breakables! Tug-of-war is another high-energy game that’s perfect for indoors. It’s a good workout for your dog and a great way to have some fun together.
Engaging Indoor Activities for Cats
Laser Pointers and Wand Toys: Cats are natural hunters, and laser pointers or wand toys are excellent tools to tap into those instincts. These toys mimic the movement of prey, keeping your cat entertained and providing much-needed exercise.
Cat Trees and Climbing Structures: Cats love to climb and perch, and a cat tree or wall-mounted shelves can give them the perfect indoor playground. These structures not only provide physical activity but also mental stimulation as cats explore and find new vantage points.
Interactive Puzzle Feeders: Similar to dogs, cats benefit from puzzle feeders that make them work for their food. These feeders can slow down eating, prevent overeating, and keep your cat’s mind sharp.
Keeping Pets Safe Indoors
Staying indoors might keep your pets cool, but it doesn’t eliminate the risk of fleas, ticks, and heartworms. These pests can still find their way inside, putting your pets at risk. To ensure your pets are fully protected, don’t skip preventative care.
Make sure you’re using flea, tick, and heartworm prevention products regularly. You can find a variety of these products at our online pharmacy. Keeping up with regular vet check-ups is also essential to catch any potential issues early, even during the summer months.
Summer Treats and Mental Stimulation
DIY Frozen Treats: Beat the heat with some homemade frozen treats. For dogs, try freezing (xylitol free) peanut butter or broth in ice cube trays. For cats, you can freeze wet cat food or tuna water for a refreshing snack. These treats not only cool them down but also keep them entertained as they lick and chew.
Food Puzzles and Treat Dispensers: Food puzzles aren’t just for dogs! Cats can also benefit from treat dispensers that require them to paw or push to get their food. It’s a great way to slow down their eating while keeping them mentally engaged.
Safe Chew Toys: Chew toys are a must for dogs, especially during the summer when they might not get as much outdoor playtime. Choose toys that are durable and safe, like rubber or nylon bones, which also help maintain dental health.
Keeping Your Pet Happy and Healthy All Summer
Summer can be a challenging time to keep your pets entertained, but with these engaging indoor activities, your furry friends will stay happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated. And don’t forget—just because they’re inside doesn’t mean they’re entirely safe from pests. Ensure you’re up to date with flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, and check out our online pharmacy for all your pet’s summer needs.
Whether you need advice on the best indoor activities or want to ensure your pet is protected this summer, the team at Minnesota Veterinary Hospital in Shoreview is here to help. Schedule a visit with us today to keep your pet happy and healthy all season long!
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