It’s relatively easy to keep dogs active and entertained when the weather’s nice - but what if it’s raining cats and dogs outside?
Here are a few staff-tested activities that can stimulate your dog’s mind and burn off some of that excess energy when a long walk just isn’t an option.
Of course, we always recommend Pet Guardians account for any treats fed during the day to avoid overfeeding!
1. Search and sniff
Hide treats like ZIWI® Good Dog Rewards™ around your home to set your dog off on a tail wagging adventure. Your dog will put his nose to work to find the hidden treasures. You can determine how easy or difficult you want the game to be depending on where you decide to hide them.
2. Schedule a playdate!
Call some puppy pals and surprise your dog with a visit from one of his/her four-legged furiends. Set up a designated play area where you can ensure any zoomies don’t result in damaged housewares or technology. Ensure any playing is under supervision.
3. Interactive feeder
Dogs and cats are naturally curious creatures. Stimulate and captivate those amazing senses with stuffable toys and treat ‘puzzles’. Put some ZIWI® Peak Air-Dried through the opening and watch your dog or cat work to get it out! For a cooling treat you could stuff the interactive feeder with ZIWI® Peak wet food and freeze it before serving.
4. Tug of war
All you need for this old school game is a tough rope and a paw-some dog or cat who’s ready to play!
5. Feeding mat
Spread ZIWI® Peak Wet Food over the surface of a feeding mat and you create a tasty fun game with them having seek out every morsel with their tongue. This is also a medical-free way to promote calm demeanor in your pet while home alone or during stressful times, like storms. The repetitive licking is soothing for your pet, releasing a calming the hormone into the body.
Of course cleaning toys is critical to your pet's health, so we always recommend a quick soak in warm soapy water or running it through the dishwasher to remove any remaining food particles stuck inside after your pet has finished eating.
6. Hall ball
A long straight hallway is ideal for this game. Similar to fetch, take a ball and roll it down a long hallway. Your dog or cat will go racing after it without unpredictably tearing through your home. You could also try this in your garage or a covered outdoor area if you are concerned about your floors getting damaged!
7. Trick training or reinforcement
Rainy days are a great time to reinforce skills - or teach new ones! Be sure to have ZIWI® Good Dog Rewards™ or ZIWI® Peak Air-Dried on hand to keep the motivation going!
8. Chew through the day
ZIWI® Oral Chews are perfect for occupying part of a day, especially our long-lasting, great-tasting Deer Shanks.
9. Shopping
Get out of the house and take your dog to a dog friendly store or dog specialty store to browse and shop on a gloomy day.
10. Quality time
Nothing beats quality time! Lots of pats, attention, and a good chew toy will provide enough distraction for your pup or furry feline to make it through the day. Mix it in with a few of the activities listed above and you’ll both have your sanity at the end of the day!
What are your favorite ways to keep your dog or cat happy on an indoor day?
