5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Busy at Home
One of the greatest benefits to being a pet parent is the companionship and unconditional love that our pets give to us. As many of us find ourselves spending most of our time at home these days, especially as the weather gets colder, having the company of our furry friends can make our days a bit brighter. When spending time at home with your pet, keep these five tips in mind to ensure they are both mentally and physically stimulated to remain happy and healthy.
- Get Active
Daily exercise is crucial to your pet’s health and well-being and it’s important to make sure your pet gets moving even when indoors. Made of high-quality, snag resistant fabric, the Catit Vesper Tunnel allows your cat to play and explore and even features a sleeping cushion for once they’ve tuckered themselves out! When it comes to your canine companion, a simple game of fetch or tug of war are great ways to keep them active while at home.
Although the days are getting shorter and the weather is getting cooler, going for a walk each day is a great way to get exercise, especially for dogs. Luckily, there are a variety of stylish and cozy coats and sweaters available to keep your four-legged family member warm when out for a walk on a brisk fall day.
- Prevent Overeating
When it’s cold outside and you’re spending more time indoors with your furry friend, it’s even more important to make sure they aren’t overeating. One way to help prevent overeating is by using a bowl replacement for your beloved companion. With an option for both cats and dogs, the KONG Gyro is a food and treat dispenser that rolls and flips to provide your pet with long-lasting enrichment.
- Provide Interactive Toys
Providing your pet with mental stimulation is just as important as physical stimulation, and interactive toys are a great way to engage your pet! Featuring three levels of tracks, the Petstages Tower of Tracks toy can satisfy your cat’s hunting instincts as they chase and swat at the brightly coloured balls.
The Nina Ottosson Dog Casino puzzle toy challenges your dog to combine actions such as swiveling bones and pawing open drawers to retrieve their tasty treats. Check out the video below to learn more!
4. Teach New Tricks
Another fun way to keep your pet busy while at home is by teaching them a new trick. If your furry friend already has a ton of tricks up their sleeve, there’s always room for one more! Do some research to find a trick that’s well suited to them and make sure you have plenty of training treats on hand to reward them for a job well done. Don’t forget about your feline friends either! While a cat sitting or shaking paw on command may not be as common of a sight as a dog doing so, they are also capable of being trained to do tricks if you’re patient.
5. Brush Regularly
While being brushed may not be every pet’s favourite pastime, it’s a great way to maintain their appearance and is an important part of supporting their physical health. If your pet enjoys (or tolerates) being brushed, it can even provide a great bonding opportunity for the two of you.
As many of our pets will begin to shed more than usual in the fall, regular brushing can help to remove loose hair. Whether your furry friend has a long coat or short coat, there are a wide variety of combs and brushes available to suit their needs. Not only will this help keep your four-legged family member happy and comfortable, but it will also hopefully reduce the amount of hair you find around your home!
