What Are the Best Ways to Keep Pets Mentally Stimulated Indoors During Hot Days? 10 Fun Ideas

When summer heatwaves strike, outdoor play isn’t always safe—or appealing—for your pets. But just because your furry friend is stuck inside doesn’t mean they have to be bored! At The Whole Pet Vet Hospital & Wellness Center, we believe indoor pet enrichment is just as important as outdoor exercise, especially during hot days. Keeping your pet mentally engaged can prevent unwanted behaviors and promote overall well-being.

Ready to help your pet beat the heat and boredom? Here are 10 creative and fun ways to provide mental stimulation for pets without ever leaving the comfort of your air-conditioned home.

1. Puzzle Toys & Treat Dispensers

Treat puzzles and food-dispensing toys are some of the best pet boredom busters around. These interactive toys challenge your pet to “solve” a problem in exchange for a reward.

• Dogs often enjoy toys like KONGs stuffed with frozen peanut butter or kibble.
• Cats may prefer food mazes or toys that mimic the thrill of the hunt.

Rotate your puzzle toys regularly to keep things fresh and exciting.

2. Hide-and-Seek Games

Yes, even pets can enjoy a good round of hide-and-seek! Use treats or your pet’s favorite toy and tuck it into sneaky spots around the house. Sniffing out rewards taps into natural instincts and is a fun way to build confidence.

3. Teach a New Trick or Command

Training isn’t just for puppies—it’s a lifelong enrichment activity that builds trust and keeps your pet’s brain sharp. Whether it’s “roll over” or “high five,” short training sessions throughout the day are a great form of mental stimulation for pets.

Use treats and praise to make learning fun. Bonus: it’s a great bonding activity, too!

4. Interactive Pet Games & Apps

You might enjoy trying some pet-friendly games on tablets and smart devices. Some cats love Cat Alone or Friskies’ Cat Fishing, which display moving digital bugs or fish for them to “catch” with their paws. For dogs, apps like Puppy Tapper or DOGTV offer sounds and visuals that respond to barking or tapping. Just be sure your device is protected from enthusiastic claws and wet noses!

5. Create a “Sniff Station”

Tap into your dog’s super-powered sense of smell with a scent game. Hide strong-smelling treats in a rolled-up towel or let your dog sniff out different herbs (like basil or parsley—safe in small amounts). For cats, catnip and silvervine can offer a similar experience.

Scent enrichment is a fantastic indoor pet enrichment activity that requires little effort but offers big mental rewards.

6. DIY Obstacle Course

Got couch cushions? Chairs? Cardboard boxes? You’ve got an obstacle course. Get creative by designing a simple course that encourages your pet to jump, crawl, or maneuver through a maze.

Always supervise for safety and keep it easy enough to avoid frustration.

7. Cat Trees & Window Perches

For our feline friends, having access to vertical space is key. A tall cat tree or a comfy window perch offers both mental and visual stimulation. Watching birds or passing neighbors can keep cats entertained for hours.

8. Rotate Toys Regularly

Instead of leaving all your pet’s toys out, keep a stash hidden and rotate them weekly. Novelty can re-ignite interest in “old” toys and prevent overstimulation from too many options at once.

9. Set Up a “Pet TV” Station

Some streaming services now offer programming made just for pets. Leave on a pet-friendly video filled with birds, squirrels, or gentle music to keep your pet company while you’re away.

10. Frozen Treat Time

Use ice cube trays or silicone molds to make frozen treats using broth, pet-safe yogurt, or wet food. Licking and chewing are calming behaviors for pets and provide sensory stimulation while helping them cool down.

These chilly treats are especially popular during hot afternoons. 

Keep Your Pet Happy, Cool & Engaged

Don’t let summer boredom get the best of your furry friend. With a bit of creativity, you can turn those long indoor days into exciting adventures in mental stimulation for pets. 

Our friendly team is here to help if you have questions or want to schedule a wellness visit. Give us a call at (408) 402-3071.