As the “dog days of summer” approach, you might find yourself spending more time indoors to beat the heat. However, this doesn’t mean that the opportunities for mental and physical exercise for your cat or dog should come to an end. If you’re stuck for ideas on how to keep your pet engaged and stimulated during the hot summer months, we’ve compiled a list of five cat enrichment and dog enrichment activities that will help keep your pet entertained, physically fit and mentally sharp!
A few minutes of daily trick training can be a great form of brain enrichment. Teach your cat or dog new tricks and obedience skills to stimulate their brain. If your pet already knows some basic commands, try adding simple tricks like ringing a bell to go out, shaking a paw or waving. Keep training sessions short and rewards-based to maximize your pet’s learning potential.
Enhance your dog’s physical and mental agility with an introductory course that may be offered indoors. Search online for “dog agility training” to find a facility near you. Agility training will keep your dog physically active and mentally challenged, while you’ll get a bit of a workout, too!
Ancestors of today’s cats and dogs spent hours each day hunting and working for their food, but modern pets miss out on this natural enrichment when fed from bowls. Use puzzle feeders to mimic hunting, making brain games for cats and dogs. Feeders and puzzle mats require pets to use their paws or noses to open compartments, dig into containers or navigate mazes. This extends mealtime and keeps their minds sharp while keeping them moving, too—helping to prevent excessive weight gain.
If your dog—or even your cat—loves the outdoors and water, incorporate water play into their day! Set up a sprinkler, pet water fountain or fill a kiddie pool with water to provide hours of fun. This activity not only keeps your pet cool, but also serves as a form of enrichment for your dog or cat by keeping their brains healthy and active! Just be careful not to let your pet drink an excessive amount of water, which could lower their sodium level.
Mixing up games in your yard can prevent boredom. Instead of your usual game of fetch, try playing hide and seek with your pet or create a treasure hunt by hiding treats around your yard or home. These enrichment activities are equally enjoyed by cats and dogs, and will stimulate their senses and keep them engaged.
Keeping your pet mentally stimulated is important for their overall health and well-being. By incorporating these pet enrichment activities into your routine, you can ensure that your dog or cat stays active, engaged and living their best life through the dog days of summer!
