Dog's Health when stuck inside
How to Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy When You're Stuck Inside
Most people know that outdoor activities are great for dogs. Running around and playing outside are great ways for them to burn off excess energy and get the exercise they need to keep them healthy, both physically and mentally. On a perfect day, it would be no problem to have your dog spend some good, quality time outdoors, but what can you do if it’s not an option?
Whether it’s a global pandemic like the one we are currently experiencing, or even just a rainy day, having to stay indoors can quickly take a toll on both dog and owner. Being stuck inside can make both you and your dog a little stir crazy and can sometimes even cause your dog to start acting out. Fret not, we’ve got a few ways to keep your dog’s mind and body in great shape even when it’s not possible to go outside. Try these ideas out while you and Fido are stuck inside to keep your dog’s mind and body sharp and your sanity intact.
- Teach your dog some new tricks. We all know the old adage that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but it simply isn’t true. Any dog is capable of learning new things, all it takes is a little patience and time. If you are stuck inside with nothing to do, it’s a great time to work on your dog’s skills.
Using only treats and YouTube, you can quickly train your dog to do a variety of things, from a simple sit or shake, to the more advanced playing dead, or even teaching them to bring you a drink. These types of mental activities are a great way to keep both you and your dog entertained.
The chances of the new trick sticking are even more likely if you are stuck inside for extended periods of time—practice makes perfect, after all. Not only is it entertaining for everyone involved, but learning new things is a great way to keep your dog’s mind healthy.
2. Buy an interactive toy. Some serious innovation has been happening in the pet toy industry. No longer are the options a simple tennis ball, squeaky toy, or stuffed animal, although those are always great, too. There is now a slew of new interactive toys on the market for you to purchase that get your dog thinking.
The best way for humans and dogs to keep their brain in top shape is to simply use it. Buying a new toy that makes them think is a great way to keep your dog busy. This is a great idea if you are stuck inside but don’t have the option of spending one-on-one time with your pet, for instance, working from home. You can give your dog the toy and let them loose.
There are tons of puzzle toys available to stimulate your dog’s brain as well. A lot of puzzle toys allow the dog to retrieve a treat of some sort, which is a great motivator to get them started.
One option is to freeze some peanut butter inside a hollow, washable toy like a Kong®. Your dog will spend as much time as it takes to get every last drop of peanut butter out. Any toy that allows your dog to receive a treat, in the end, is always sure to be a fan favorite.
Other toys that light up, move, or play sounds will keep them on their toes and entertained for hours. The more difficult the puzzle, the longer it will keep them working.
3. Get creative about movement. Speaking of toys, there are now some techie toys that will toss treats and balls for your dog to chase, no in-person operator required. Toys like this that get your dog moving will help them burn off some steam when they can’t run around outside.
However, nothing can replace the fun of playing with your dog yourself. A game that seems simple to you, can be quite entertaining for your pup. Your dog will happily spend an hour or two chasing a laser around the house, and you will get some laughs while watching.
Fetch is of course always an entertaining game that allows your dog to get some movement in. They will get exercise running back and forth to chase the toy after you throw it, and will also love the joy it brings you when they return it. However, always be careful to choose a toy to toss that won’t break anything inside.
The classic tug-of-war is another game that will be both fun and active for you and your pet. Your dog will exert quite a bit of energy trying to pull the toy away from you, so they won’t be tempted to exert that energy in destructive ways like chewing.
You can also take a note from recent social media challenges and set up an obstacle course for your dog. This activity will exercise their body and mind—the more intricate, the better! It will take a while for your dog to figure out how to crawl through, hop over, and sneak around whatever obstacles you set up for them, and you both will have fun together while figuring it out.
While we all hope to be back outside again soon enjoying the sunshine, these tricks should help your dog stay happy and healthy while we are all inside alone together.