Pets have been a part of human civilization for a long time. Even today, people keep all kinds of animals as pets for various reasons. No matter if you have a cat, dog, hamster, or a reptile as a pet, being a pet parent, one must be prepared to look after their needs and ensure they live a happy life.
Besides a balanced diet, exercise and outdoor activities are essential for pets. Pet owners who live in the apartments often worry about not being able to give their pets enough exercise.
Indoor Activities for Apartment Dogs
There are times and situations, much like the unprecedented lockdown due to COVID-19, when taking pets out for exercise or playtime are impossible. If pets are not taken outside for a prolonged period, they can get agitated. Such pets are more likely to release bottled-up energy on household things and wreak havoc. Besides this, they can also suffer from mental disorders like depression due to no exposure to the outside world or physical ailments due to lack of exercise.
When buying toys and indoor games for apartment pets, one must consider mental stimulation also. According to veterinarians, keeping pets mentally stimulated is as important as keeping them physically active. However, inducing mental stimulation inside a packed apartment is a huge task.
1. Indoor Workout
When pets are not taken outdoors for a long time, they feel the same way we feel after repeatedly doing mundane tasks. Like how humans get all energized after a workout and exercise, pets get all active and happy after outdoor fun.
If you cannot take out your pets for outdoor activities, you can bring the outdoor fun inside through simple games and toys.
2. Mental Games for Pets
Feeder toys, nose work games, or clicker trainers are some of the toys that every apartment pet owner should purchase. Through these toys, you can also train them and teach them new tricks. One can also play fetch in their apartment.
Mental stimulating games are perfect for indoor pets as they can be played even if you have a studio apartment.
3. Indoor Agility Course
Another exciting way to keep your indoor pet mentally active is by preparing them for an indoor agility course. This is perfect if you have a small-sized pet like a kitten, puppy, or hamster. You can either create a DIY agility course or buy a kit from the market. These ready-to-assemble kits come with high jump pads, tunnels, and poles. However, ensure your pet doesn’t get injured while running on the course. If your pet experiences a fall while playing on the trail, take them to a veterinarian clinic to rule out the possibility of knee injury or internal bleeding.
4. Pet Toys
There are times when all we want to do is lay on the couch and relax. However, your pup may want to play with you, or your kitten might be experiencing zoomies. In such a scenario, buying talking toys for your pets is best. Toys like automatic ball launchers, treat feeders, and babble toys are excellent for you and your pet.
Tips to keeping your pet healthy and happy
1. Keep them active and fit through exercise
Fitness is as necessary for pets as it is for humans. As a pet parent, you must take special care to keep them healthy and active. Daily exercise and games are the best way to keep your pets in good shape. You can take your pet out for a walk to the nearby park or set up an exercise corner right in the backyard. Regular exercise not only helps them stay fit but also allows them to release their aggression and stored energy.
2. Be mindful of the pet food
Besides exercise, diet is crucial in keeping them healthy and happy. But let’s admit it, choosing the right food brand for your pet can be daunting. There are hundreds of pet foods labeled as healthy choices. However, such foods may cause a deficiency in pets. When buying pet food, consider the portion size and calorie counts. If you need help with calculating the calorie requirement for your pet, you can use an online calorie calculator or consult an experienced veterinarian Virginia Beach VA.
3. Arrange play dates for them
Like humans, animals are also social creatures. Socialization allows them to share a healthy bond with other animals, humans, and especially kids. If you have a puppy or kitten, it’s essential to familiarize them with their environment and people from the very start. Taking them on a play date is another wonderful way to give them that exposure.
4. Be attentive to their needs
While pets can’t talk like humans, they sure do know how to communicate with us. From nibbling to barking, growling to rubbing, they have their ways of communicating with us. As a parent to a pet, it’s essential to be attentive to their actions. Knowing how your Fido or Tom reacts to a particular situation will allow you to know them better. Observing your pets will also help you identify any potential health issues or know what triggers your pet.
5. Keep them entertained
Our pets have heightened senses and a playful demeanor. However, they get quickly bored or distracted. Thus, it’s essential to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. When young pets get bored of doing the same thing, they tend to munch on shoes, cables, or upholsteries. You can avoid such situations by bringing them to chew toys and munchies. Such products keep pets occupied and prevent them from destroying our things and running into trouble.