How TO
NUrTURE pets
Your pet is most content when right by your side. Make the most of that together time by providing a combination of mental, physical, and social stimulation. Thinking beyond your pet’s normal routine is the best way to keep you both from falling into a rut.
mental stimulation
You can stimulate all five senses by feeding your pet via interactive toys and activities.
- Try giving your dog a meal in a hollow rubber chew toy (such as Kong brand) or a puzzle toy that requires moving the pieces with his nose or paws.
- Put your cat’s dinner in a puppy-size Kong toy, or sprinkle kibble in cardboard boxes or bags. This encourages the cat to fish the food out, which triggers natural hunting instincts.
- Adding ice cubes to their water bowls will also give dogs and cats some new playthings.
- There are myriad interactive toys for dogs and cats that are worth experimenting with to see which ones appeal to your pets.
physical activity
Aim for activities that trigger instinctual behavior such as hunting and exploring.
felines: Cats are fairly self-sufficient, but you’ll still want to make sure they get enough exercise (at least 15 minutes a day) to satisfy their inner predators.
- Cats love climbing, so have a vertical structure (such as a cat tree) or two around the house for them to enjoy.
- They also love hiding; try offering several boxes and rearranging them regularly.
- Be sure to build in playtime with your cat, when they can chase a string toy or catnip ball.
- Laser pointers and battery-operated mice prompt predatory behavior.
canines: Dogs need more exercise, preferably outdoors.
- Add intrigue to your daily walks by hiding treats along the route, encouraging your pet to sniff and search.
- Make an obstacle course by having your pet sit at each parked car or lamppost, or walk figure eights around trees.
- Try a play-training class, which uses games to teach and reinforce obedience, or join a dog-sport club, which allows your dog to engage in the type of behavior it has been bred for (get information at American Kennel Club, akc.org).
social interaction
Canines need more interaction than cats, which are, for the most part, just fine at home with you.
- Take your pet to the local dog park or drop-in day-care center, and make regular playdates with other dogs.
- Visit your local pet store or other places where dogs are likely to be; even a brief sniff will brighten your pup’s day.
- People count, too; have your pet tag along with you when picking up the kids from school and while running errands. She’ll love being out and about.