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We’re already in February. The last few weeks have provided some pretty awful weather. February is looking to be pretty dreary as well.

It’s hard in this weather to keep our pets active and healthy. it’s easy to allow your pet to become a couch potato. (Here’s a picture of my dog Rollie enjoying a snooze)

In this article I wanted to walk through a few ways to keep your pet’s active and entertained in the house. 

Games, Games, Games

Hide and Seek

This classic game is a great way to engage your pet’s mind and body.

Have your dog sit and stay, then go hide somewhere in the house. Call your pet’s name and let them sniff you out! For cats, try hiding their favorite toy and watch them stalk and pounce

Puzzle Toys

These interactive toys provide mental stimulation and keep your pet occupied for hours. Fill a Kong with treats, hide kibble in a snuffle mat, or invest in a puzzle feeder that challenges your pet to work for their food. Here are the ones we use for our dogs:

Toys

A great game for a dog is tug of war! Most dogs I know love it. Here’s the one we use with our dogs. You can also DIY a tug of war with an old t-shirt. Use old fleece blankets or t-shirts to braid a sturdy tug toy.

 

For cats a great toy is a toy mice on a string. This can keep your cat pouncing and chasing for hours on end! You can even get automatic ones that bounce around on their own. A DIY option is a good old-fashioned cardboard box. Cut holes in cardboard boxes to create tunnels, hiding spots, and scratching posts. You can even connect multiple boxes to create an elaborate cat condo.

Spotting the signs of Boredom

It’s important to recognise when your pet is feeling bored or restless. Common signs include:

  • Excessive barking or meowing
  • Destructive behaviour (chewing, scratching)
  • Restlessness or pacing
  • Lethargy or lack of interest in activities

 

If you notice these signs, it’s time to switch up your pet’s routine and provide them with more enrichment. You may also wish to visit the vet for a checkup. 

Conclusion

Just like us, pets need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. This is just a few of the ways in which to keep them busy and active indoors while the weather is bad!

 

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