Dogs are lovely little creatures, but we’d be lying if we said they weren’t high-maintenance. Looking after them can be strenuous at times, and even stressful, but the looks on their precious faces make you want to do everything you can to make their lives fulfilling. If you notice your dog’s day-to-day life doesn’t look very fulfilling and he instead chooses to spend all day lying on the couch, your furry friend is probably bored out of their mind! It’s up to you as a pet owner to give your dog something to get excited about. Not sure what to do for your bored dog? Here are a few ideas.
More Walks!
The best way to keep a dog active is to bring him or her out into their element! You obviously should be walking your dog several times a day anyway, but taking your companion for even just an extra walk or two would be great for their health and is an ingenious way to occupy more of their time. Going outside for an extra 20-40 minutes or more will only benefit your dog’s daily routine (assuming they are healthy enough to go on several walks a day). Going for so many walks will make your dog more excited throughout the day, making them more open to playtime and running around the house. Additionally, because of the extra energy expended, the time they spend sleeping will be out of necessity rather than boredom. Don’t forget to bring a bag!
More Treats!
If you don’t want to endure the cold or aren’t physically able to walk so much, there are still plenty of indoor activities to partake in! Instead of leaving your bored dog to just sit around, they can occupy large chunks of their days chewing away at a treat/bone. Many pet stores and some supermarkets have long-lasting treats designed to have dogs eat away at them for several hours, so be sure to look out for them if that’s the route you wish to choose. If you do not want your pet to eat more, consider buying them a new chew toy. Our pets bring us endless joy on the daily, so it’s only right that we give back to them!
Consider Hiring A Dog Sitter!
We understand that the many intricacies of life may get in the way of engaging with your bored dog, but there are still actions you can take! If you’re seriously concerned about your dog’s daily routine and you can’t physically be there for them throughout the day, you should consider hiring a dog sitter or dog walker to prevent boredom. A dog sitter can do everything mentioned above if you’re unable to be at home, and they may even know a trick or two that you would never have even thought of. It is a more costly option, but it’ll be worth every penny to keep your dog entertained!
Nobody likes to see a bored dog, as they should be happy, excited, and full of energy! If none of these tips help cure your pet’s boredom, please reach out to Cherrelyn Animal Hospital for more advice. We want to do everything in our power to make all dogs the energetic fur babies that they’re meant to be!
