Have you ever come home from a long day at work to find your couch cushions shredded? Pets are similar to humans; when left alone or routinely ignored, pets become bored and may engage in destructive behavior. Physical exercise and mental stimulation are essential to combating pet boredom. Follow these four tips to keep your pets happily entertained while you are at work.
Fight Pet Boredom with Tips from our Austin Veterinarian
1. Exercise your pet in the morning. After a good night’s rest, your dog will be eager to play. Our Austin veterinarian recommends morning exercise like a short run or a game of fetch. From Auditorium Shores to Red Bud Island, Austin is home to many dog parks for off-leash fun. Otherwise, if you head straight to work, your pet will be stuck indoors without a safe outlet for his energy.
2. Keep your pet guessing. Don’t give your pet all his toys at once. Instead, rotate through his toy collection, leaving 2-3 different toys out each time you leave. Mix the toys up so your pet has different toys that are safe and fun to chew on. For example, try soaking and freezing a rope toy in chicken broth; your dog will love this tasty treat. Fill a Kong and freeze it with peanut butter and dog treats; this will keep your dog occupied for hours.
3. Play hide and seek. Dogs love a mental challenge. Try hiding small bits of kibble or tiny treats around your house or yard. Even a small handful of kibble scattered in the yard will keep your dog busy on a treasure hunt while you are gone.
4. Consider dog boarding. If you are hosting friends or family for an extended visit over the holidays, consider placing your pet in boarding at our animal hospital for a few days. Rather than worrying about your pet being underfoot or eating a holiday decoration, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your pet is safe and well entertained at our Pflugerville veterinary clinic.
What is your secret for preventing pet boredom?