When summer temperatures rise, many of us find ourselves spending less time outdoors. While our dogs may not understand why their walks are shorter or why we're skipping that afternoon adventure, there are plenty of ways to keep them happy, engaged, and mentally stimulated at home.
The good news is that enrichment doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. A few simple activities can help prevent boredom and give your dog a healthy outlet for their energy.
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Frozen Treats
One of the easiest ways to keep your dog entertained during hot weather is with frozen treats.
I like to get little silicone molds and fill them with all kind of things like goat milk and blueberries or anything your pup likes.
Try freezing:
- Plain pumpkin puree
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Plain yogurt
- Dog safe fruits such as blueberries
- Bone broth - My favorite is the Turkey Broth from Honest Kitchen. I add this to Jack's meals every day. Just a tablespoon or two to add some hydration and flavor.
You can serve them in a bowl, stuff them into a food toy, or freeze them on a lick mat for a longer lasting activity. The possibilities are endless!Â
Pro Tip: When you use silicone molds it's helpful to put them on a small cookie sheet or I use a large tupperware lid to give it some stability before I fill them then it makes it very easy to move it to the freezer.Â
Sniffing Adventures
Did you know that sniffing is mentally exhausting for dogs?
Hide treats around the house and encourage your dog to find them. Start with easy hiding spots and gradually make the game more challenging.
You can also scatter treats in the grass early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and let your dog use their nose to search.
Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys are a great way to challenge your dog's brain while keeping them entertained indoors.
Food puzzles encourage problem solving and can help slow down fast eaters. They are especially useful during the hottest part of the day when outdoor activities may not be safe.
Some of my favorite food puzzles come from Nina Ottosson made by Outward Hound.
Learn a New Trick
Summer can be the perfect time to work on training.
Teach a new trick such as:
- Spin
- Shake
- Touch
- Roll over
- Take a bow
- Put toys away
Training sessions don't need to be long. Five to ten minutes can provide plenty of mental stimulation.
If you need inspiration for training tricks this book is my favorite!
Rotate Toys
Instead of leaving every toy available all the time, try rotating them.
When toys disappear for a week or two and then suddenly reappear, many dogs act as though they've received something brand new. I used this a lot with Bella and she always loved getting her toys back again and again.
Water Play
Many dogs enjoy cooling off with water activities.
Try:
- A kiddie pool
- Sprinklers
- Splash pads
- Floating toys
Remember that not all dogs enjoy water, and that's okay. Always supervise water activities and let your dog participate at their own comfort level. And always use a life jacket if your dog is not a strong swimmer.Â
Enrichment for Senior Dogs
Senior dogs still need enrichment, but their activities may look different.
Sniffing games, food puzzles, lick mats, short training sessions, and leisurely walks when it's not hot out can all provide mental stimulation without overexertion.
Bella loved food puzzles and enrichment games throughout her senior years. They gave her something fun to focus on even when she wasn't as active as she had been when she was younger.
Just cause your dog is older doesn't mean they don't like to have fun and do different things.
The Bottom Line
When temperatures soar, enrichment can help keep your dog happy, engaged, and mentally fulfilled.
Whether it's a frozen treat, a sniffing game, a puzzle toy, or a quick training session, small activities can make a big difference. Sometimes the best summer adventures happen right at home.
What are your dog's favorite enrichment activities? I'd love to hear about them!