Too Hot for Walks? 5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Busy Indoors This Summer
Beat Boredom on Hot Days
✓ Freeze treats overnight
✓ Put nose work to work
✓ Rotate toys weekly
✓ Find indoor play spots
Hampton Roads has been in a heat wave lately. Since it’s only July, there are likely to be more hot days ahead. When it’s too hot for walks of outdoor playtime, active pups can get bored quickly.
Here are some easy ways to bust your pet’s boredom during the dog days of summer.
Frozen Kongs and Other Stuffed Toys
It’s amazing how long a Kong stuffed with peanut butter wilk keep your pet happily occupied. A frozen Kong will entertain them even longer. Stuff it with peanut butter, wet food, or mashed banana, then freeze it overnight. What starts as a snack turns into a 20-30 minute project as your dog works to lick and gnaw their way to the reward inside. The cold treat also helps them cool down from the inside out, making it a perfect activity for a sweltering afternoon. Rotate the fillings to keep things interesting. Pumpkin puree, plain yogurt, and low-sodium broth are all safe options that freeze well.
Snuffle Mats and Puzzle Feeders
Dogs experience the world through their noses, and snuffle mats tap directly into that instinct. Hide kibble or small treats in the fabric strips and let your dog "hunt" for their food using scent alone. This kind of nose work is mentally exhausting in the best way; ten minutes of sniffing can tire a dog out as much as a much longer walk. Puzzle feeders work on the same principle but add a problem-solving element, requiring your dog to slide, flip, or nudge compartments open to reach the food underneath. Both are great options for mealtime, turning an ordinary bowl of kibble into a genuine mental workout.
Tidewater Paws Pick
When it's too hot to play outside, a new toy can go a long way toward beating boredom. Keep your dog's toy box from going stale with a monthly delivery of toys, treats, and chews. New BarkBox subscribers can receive a free dog bed, while new Super Chewer subscribers receive a free extra toy in every box for a year.
Hallway Fetch
You don't need a backyard for a good game of fetch, just a hallway. The confined space actually works in your favor since your dog can't wander off mid-game. If you have a suitable hallway, grab a soft toy that won't scuff the walls or floors, and stick to a few short sessions throughout the day rather than one long one. This is an easy way to burn off pent-up energy, especially for higher-drive breeds who need daily exercise no matter the weather.
Indoor Play Spots
When the heat sticks around for days at a time, sometimes the best move is to find a spot where your pet can play indoors. Doggy daycares are built for this! Climate-controlled spaces, other dogs to burn energy with, and staff on hand to keep playtime supervised and safe. Many also offer half-day options, so you don't have to commit to a full day. Hampton Roads has a solid lineup of these spots scattered across the area, so there's a good chance one is closer than you'd think.
New Toy Rotation
Many dogs get bored of the same old toys. Instead of leaving every toy out all the time, try rotating your dog's toy box weekly, putting some away and bringing others back into circulation. A toy that's been out of sight for a few weeks feels brand new again, which means you get more mileage out of the toys you already own.
If you want to build out a rotation, a BarkBox subscription is a simple way to keep a steady supply of new toys coming without having to shop for them yourself. Each box is themed and includes a mix of toys, treats, and chews. They even have a Super Chewer option, so your rough-and-tumble dog can get suitable toys delivered right to your door.
Hot days in Hampton Roads don't have to mean bored, restless dogs. With a little creativity, and maybe a frozen Kong or two, you can keep your pup entertained, cool, and tired out until it's safe to get back to outdoor play.
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