Beat the Heat: Fun Indoor Activities to Keep Your Pet Busy During Hot Southwest Florida Days

Here in Southwest Florida, we know summer can be hot, humid, and downright toasty—not just for us, but for our pets, too! When temperatures rise, it’s best to keep your furry family members indoors and out of the heat. We even shorten our dog walks and head inside! But that doesn’t mean your pet's have to be bored! At Heidi & Hope Pet Services, we’re all about helping pets stay happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated—even when outdoor play isn't an option. Here are some of our favorite indoor activities to keep your pet entertained during those sizzling summer days:

🕵️‍♀️ Scavenger Hunts: Engage Their Senses!

Turn your home into a sniff-tastic adventure! Hide small treats around the house and let your pet sniff them out. You can use empty boxes, containers, or even laundry baskets to make it more interesting. For an added challenge:

• Bury treats in a bin full of toys.

• Wrap treats in a towel like a burrito.

• Use cups or bowls upside down as “shells” in a scent guessing game.

This activity taps into your pet’s natural instincts and provides excellent mental stimulation.

🍦 Food-Stuffed Toys: The Ultimate Pupsicle

One of our go-to activities is filling a chew toy (like Kongs or Toppls) with wet food or a pet-safe recipe, then freezing it to make a long-lasting treat! These "pupsicles" are a cool, delicious way to keep pets entertained and mentally engaged.

Want to mix it up? Try these additions:

• Mashed banana

• Unsweetened yogurt

• Pumpkin puree

• Diced apples or blueberries

• Baby carrots or green beans

You can even create your own recipes—just be sure all ingredients are pet-safe. The possibilities are endless!

🐾 DIY Obstacle Courses: Indoor Agility Fun

Your home is full of potential for a mini obstacle course. Use household items to create a fun agility-inspired setup:

• A broomstick balanced on books for jumps

• An ottoman or chair for climbing or sitting

• A cardboard box tunnel for crawling through

• Hula hoops to step through or around

Get creative and adjust the course to fit your space and your pet’s abilities. It’s a great way to burn off energy, boost confidence, and bond with your pet.

Staying cool doesn’t have to mean staying bored!

With a little creativity, you can turn your living room into a playground of enrichment for your furry friend. Whether it’s a tasty treat puzzle or a living room agility run, your pet will love the chance to stay active indoors—and you’ll love knowing they’re safe from the heat. Need help with enrichment ideas or daily care for your pet? Heidi & Hope Pet Services is here for Southwest Florida’s pet parents—offering love, fun, and expert care, no matter the season. Check out our website here.