Indoor Activities for Pets
If you’re looking for fun things to do with your furry friends when a winter chill is in the air, you’ve come to the right place! Providing pets with physical and mental stimulation year-round is important for overall pet health and wellness, so our team at Trusted Friend Animal Clinic has put together this list of indoor pet activities to try when it’s too cold to venture outside.
Nothing Beats the Classics
Tap into your pet’s natural instincts to play, jump, and track a scent by inviting them to play some of these classic games with you:
Tug-of-war: A soft toy or rope and a good old fashioned game of tug-of-war is perfect for high-energy pooches who like to grab and shake.
Fetch: Adapt fetch for indoor fun using a soft toy in a safe space, and add a fresh twist: Ask your dog (or fetch-playing feline) to perform a simple trick before each toss. Be sure to reward your faithful friend with a tasty treat and lots of praise.
Keep away: Remember monkey in the middle? Toss your pet’s favorite toy between two or more people and see if your pet can intercept it. Just make sure you take a break if your pet becomes overstimulated or if the teeth come out.
Hide and seek: Cats and dogs both have stellar sniffers, so stoke their instincts to track a scent by stashing their favorite treats around the house. Shower your pet with praise each time he or she uncovers a hidden treat.
Puzzle time: Pet puzzle toys provide plenty of mental enrichment by prompting pets to “work” for their rewards. These interactive toys will challenge your pet to find ways to free the treats or hidden toys inside the puzzle.
Get Creative With an Indoor Obstacle Course
Smaller dogs and cats can jump and prance through an indoor agility course. Get creative with “obstacles” you already have at home. Make a tunnel by opening both ends of a large box, and use pillows or stacked blankets for your pet to jump over.
Keep it Social
Make the most of indoor time by enrolling your pet in professional training classes or booking a slot in doggie daycare. Playdates with other pet owners are another great way to help your pet bone up on social graces.
Rotate the Toys
There’s nothing like a new toy to brighten up a cold or rainy day, and you may not have to spend a dime! Chances are, there are toys that have been batted beneath furniture or forgotten about in the bottom of the toy bin. Gather these hidden gems and stow them away for a day when your pet craves something “new.”
Well-Rounded Pet Care
We know that pet health and happiness are top priorities for pet families, and we’re here to help with comprehensive veterinary care for your animal friends. Please contact us at (404) 907-1404 to schedule your pet’s visit or if you’d like more suggestions for indoor pet activities.