Late-Summer Pet Boredom Busters: Fun Indoor Activities for Dogs and Cats

By Kendra S Gray, CPTD-KA

Late-summer pet boredom is “fur-real!”

While summer brings with it plenty of excitement, the increased downtime that comes when the sunny season winds down can be tough on our four-legged friends. By the time August rolls around, the novelty of summer has worn off, and many households begin shifting into “back-to-school” mode. Add to that, limitations on outdoor play due to safety concerns over the lingering summer heat, and your dog or cat may be suffering from – you guessed it, late-summer boredom. Unfortunately, when pets don’t get enough physical or mental stimulation, that pent-up energy has a tendency of surfacing in ways most of us would rather avoid – like excessive barking or meowing, chewing furniture, scratching doors, or pacing around the house like it’s their full-time job.

To help keep pets happy, stimulated, and out of trouble this August (and throughout the year), we’ve compiled a list of our favorite boredom-busting ideas to help you and your pet beat the end-of-summer blahs. These indoor activities for dogs and cats can help turn a sluggish late-summer day into something far more engaging for your pet and more peaceful for you.

Fun Indoor Activities for Dogs and Cats:

1. Lick, Sniff, Shred: The Power of Sensory Enrichment

Sensory stimulation is one of the most effective ways to entertain and mentally exercise (tire out) your pet, especially when the summer heat limits physical activity.

• Lick Mats are an excellent boredom buster for dogs and many cats. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter (xylitol-free), canned food, yogurt (plain and unsweetened), or soft treats onto the mat, then freeze it for an added challenge. The repetitive licking is great for soothing anxious pets while also keeping them occupied and out of your hair.

• Snuffle Mats or Balls work by mimicking the natural foraging behavior of dogs and cats. Sprinkle dry kibble or treats deep into the fabric layers and let your pet sniff and nudge their way to a reward. It’s a simple and highly effective activity that can be reused daily with different treat combinations.

• Cardboard Boxes make excellent enrichment tools for both cats and dogs. Fill a shallow box with shredded paper or empty paper towel rolls, drop a few treats inside, and let your pet dig around. Cats often enjoy batting things around or hiding inside. Dogs enjoy the “hunt” just as much and may also love exercising their prey drive by shredding the paper products once they’ve rooted out the treats.

2. Indoor Obstacle Courses

Obstacle courses don’t need to be complicated or consume all the space in your living room. A few creative setups using items around the house can provide just the right amount of engagement and stimulation.

• For dogs, arrange couch cushions, laundry baskets, chairs, or rolled towels or blankets to create a mini agility course. Use simple cues, like “over,” “under,” or “around,” to help them navigate as they explore the space. Praise and reward them as they make their way through the course, and keep sessions short and light – five or ten minutes is plenty for most dogs.

• Cats benefit from a similar concept but on their own terms. Use boxes or cat tunnels to create vertical and horizontal paths. Hide toys or small treats throughout the course and encourage your cat to follow, jump, and investigate. You can even employ a fishing pole-type toy to motivate and guide your kitty through the course.

These activities provide both physical exercise and mental focus without having to brave the heat.

3. Quick Brain Games with Big Payoff

Mental work can be just as satisfying (and exhausting) for pets as physical play, sometimes even more so.

• “Find it” Games are a great example. Have your pet stay (or keep them briefly in another room) while you hide a few treats around the house. Encourage your furry friend to use their nose and instincts to sniff out and locate all the goodies you've hidden. You can start your find-it sessions out easy with open hiding places, stinky treats, and lots of guidance and hints, and increase the difficulty over time. One way to make the game more challenging is by placing treats inside folded empty toilet paper rolls before hiding them.

• The Shell Game is another simple way to mentally challenge your pet. Using three cups, hide a treat under one of them. Shuffle the cups slowly in front of your dog or cat, then encourage them to choose. It’s a great way to work on focus and impulse control.

  
  

• Name recognition Games are another fun and useful game to try with your dog, and maybe even your cat if you're feeling more ambitious. Start by naming a favorite toy (“Bunny,” “Ball,” etc.) and encouraging your pet to fetch it by name. Over time, you can increase the number of toys and rotate through them. It becomes a mini memory test that also reinforces recall and attention.

4. Toy Rotation: Less Is More

One of the best ways to beat the blahs is by injecting some variety and novelty into your dog or cat’s everyday existence by rotating their regular selection of toys. Many pets have access to the same pile of toys every day, which means, over time, they lose interest. Rotating toys is a simple and effective way to reignite your dog or cat's excitement for their playthings.

Once a week, remove a few toys from your pet’s usual collection and replace them with others stored out of sight. Even toys your pet hasn’t seen in a few days can feel “new” again.

Changing what’s available keeps things fresh without constantly buying more. This simple strategy is great for stretching the usefulness of toys you already have and encouraging independent play.

5. Break Up the Day with a Friendly Visit

If your pet is home for long stretches while you’re at work or juggling end-of-summer errands, a midday visit can make a huge difference.

A visit from a trusted dog walker or pet sitter isn’t just for potty breaks; it’s a chance for social interaction, enrichment, and stimulation. At Daily Leash, we tailor each visit to your pet’s needs and energy level. Some dogs thrive with a shady stroll or a sniff-filled walk; others might enjoy some light play in the backyard or a short interactive game or puzzle toy. And don't forget your cats, they relish in companionship too. And can benefit from a play session or quiet visit to break up the afternoon lull.

Reach out to Daily Leash, or your local trusted pet care company, to schedule a visit for your dog or cat. Our pet care professionals are experienced in heat safety, pet behavior, and enrichment—we’re not just there to “let them out,” we’re there to improve their day.

Keep the Blahs at Bay

Late summer can be a tricky time for pets, but a little creative thinking can go a long way. Mixing up your dog or cat’s day with fresh activities, rotated toys, and even the occasional puzzle or visitor can help them feel more content, stimulated, and calm. And help give you the peace and peace of mind you need during this busy time of year.