Dog Days of Summer: Indoor Activities to Keep Your Dog Cool
When the summer heat hits its peak, it can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for you and your pup to be outside for too long. When you can’t rely on your usual walks and backyard playtime, it can be tough finding ways to exercise your pups — especially energetic dogs who get bored and restless inside.
Fortunately, there are plenty of activities to keep your furry friend busy when the summer heat is at its peak. Here are some fun ideas to help your dog stay active, happy, and cool inside.
1. Indoor Fetch and Hide-and-Seek
Create an indoor version of fetch using a soft ball or a plush toy to avoid breaking anything. Toss the toy down a hallway or in a safe area.
For a fun variation, hide your dog’s favorite toys around the house and encourage your pup to find them. This not only keeps them moving but also sharpens their problem-solving skills. You can also hide treats or even their lunch around the house for an extra challenge.
2. Puzzle Toys and Treat-Dispensing Games
Invest in puzzle toys that require your dog to think and work for their treats. These games are excellent for mental stimulation and can keep your dog occupied for hours.
While you can buy many awesome puzzle toys, you can also make homemade puzzles using common household items like muffin tins (filled with treats and covered with tennis balls) or cardboard boxes with crinkled newspaper.
3. Training Sessions
Hot summer days are the perfect excuse to add a few more training sessions to your days. Whether you’re teaching new tricks or reinforcing old commands, training helps to stimulate your dog’s brain in a way that can be just as tiring as a walk outside!
Training also helps to strengthen your bond with your dog — it’s a win-win.
4. Obstacle Courses
What could be more fun than an obstacle course for your dog? You can set up a simple obstacle course using household items like chairs, blankets, broom handles, and boxes.
Guide your dog through the course with the help of treats to help them burn energy and practice their agility and obedience skills.
5. DIY Summer Dog Treats
DIY frozen treats are the perfect way to spend a hot summer day with your dog. Use dog-friendly ingredients like peanut butter, yogurt, and fruits to create refreshing treats (try Ruby's favorite Pumpkin Banana Treats). These not only help in keeping your dog cool but also provide a tasty, healthy snack your pup will love.
For added fun, you can use popsicle molds or silicone molds in different shapes! Adding layers of ingredients to your treats also helps them to last longer.
Keep Your Dog Safe and Cool This Summer
Indoors doesn’t have to mean boring for your dog. With a little creativity, you can turn a day in the house into an opportunity for fun and learning, keeping your dog happy, active, and cool until the heat dies down.