Is your bored dog or cat in need of relief? Boredom can lead to behavior that ranges from mildly annoying to destructive. Without the proper tools to help their mental stimulation, pets may even create their own stimulation by overeating or creating new negative responses. 

Like humans, your dog or cat needs entertainment, fun, and exercise. Here are some boredom busters (physically and mentally) to prevent boredom from developing in your pets. 

Yes, a bored dog can express themselves in a variety of ways. Dog boredom can be a particularly expressive issue with behavior like chewing, digging, pawing, whining, barking, and jumping. Common ways of preventing boredom include: 

It’s commonly known that dogs love to go for walks or a trip to the dog park. For good reason, too — sniffing, playing, and enjoying the outside is a dog’s favorite. Running, hiking, or even just throwing the ball are great. These are amazing for mental stimulation and physical exercise. While on the go, you can try teaching your dog to pay closer attention to your movements.  

Please note that dogs should never be left unattended with toys and it’s important to ensure any chew toys are soft enough to push in your thumbnail to avoid any damage to their teeth. 

Toys can keep your dog entertained when at home. For some dogs, toys aren’t an option because they may be uninterested. But for others, long-lasting chew toys, food puzzles, fillable toys, tug ropes, and even stuffed toys are great options to provide for a bored dog. You can strategically fill a food puzzle toy with your dog’s favorite snacks and treats to keep them busy and happy.  

Need a longer-lasting treat? Fill a toy with peanut butter, add some of their favorite chewy treats, then freeze. Your dog will love the taste and sensation. It’s sure to entertain them for longer periods of time. It’s important to note that some peanut butter contains an artificial sweetener called xylitol. This ingredient is toxic to dogs and even small amounts can be harmful. 

The best entertainment of all? Another dog friend. Set up a play date every now and then. This will offer your dog a change in view and is sure to make their tail wag for hours. 

Whether it’s basic commands like sit and stay, or more complex tricks — learning new techniques can provide the mental stimulation your dog craves. You can play nose games with your dog in hiding treats around the house to create a tracking game. Engaging in more physical play training such as fetch and learning new dog park commands can keep them mentally engaged and on the go. 

Yes, even though your cat spends much of their day napping and being independent, your feline friends need mental and physical exercise. Without it, they can show repetitive behaviors like overgrooming, picking fights, and uninterested inactivity. Try these solutions for keeping your cat entertained: 

Interactive toys can provide your bored cat with exactly what they need. Toys your cat can chase or chew will keep their physical and mental energy going. Scratching posts and horizontal scratchers also provide them with both physical enjoyment (and a pleasant alternative to scratching your couch). These toys can also serve as exercise for your cat to enjoy chasing around your home. 

Your cat enjoys keeping an eye on things that are going on around it. With tall cat trees or towers, your cat can spy on your neighborhood through windows or observe your entire home. And if birds and squirrels are around your area, it’ll be nature’s television and they get a front-row seat. 

Like dogs, cats enjoy treasure hunts with treats (or even a meal) as a form of mental stimulation. Hide their favorites around the home or try some training to reinforce positive behavior in your home. Can do this with meals too.  

It’s not realistic to avoid pet boredom completely. So, have patience with yourself and your pet in discovering ways that combat boredom best for their unique needs. And we hope that with these tips, and some more quality time with your pet, you can make their lives more enjoyable and strengthen your bond, too. 

Do you have more questions about being a pet owner? For specific questions and routine care, book an appointment at your local Thrive. Our veterinarians are here to provide exceptional and essential care for your pet. Don't wait - book a nose-to-tail pet exam today.