While June, July and August typically bring ideal weather to Michigan, sometimes thunderstorms and extreme heat can really put a damper on our summer months.
This, unfortunately, can trap you inside your house more than you’d like! If you’re feeling cabin fever from bad weather, chances are your dog is, too. Here are some ways to ensure that your dog is still getting its much needed, daily exercise, even if you can’t go outside.
To make it simple but still fun, hide some of your dog’s favorite treats around the house. Don’t make the spots too easy – really make the dog work for the treats. If they’re running around the house all day trying to sniff out their rewards, it’ll make for some great exercise, as well as brain stimulation.
Believe it or not, most human treadmills are made to be safe for dogs, too. Of course you need to train them to safely use it, starting on the lowest speeds and working up to it. If you are to do this, never leash your dog to the treadmill, as it could get very hurt. Once you train them, though, they’ll get all the exercise they need, no matter the weather!
If you want to do something with your pup, consider getting a Chuck-It toy, where you can easy play fetch with your dog. The balls come in different materials, some softer than others so that they’re house-proof. My dog plays fetch inside with a regular tennis ball – throwing it down the hallway with the doors closed works just fine.
If none of these options sound appealing or you just need to get out of the house, don’t forget that you can always take your dog up to Premier Pet Supply to walk around the store and get their energy (and free treats) out.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local pet store if you have questions on this or any pet related topic.