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Without a question, having a pet can make spending time at home feel much more fun, especially when one is locked inside.

Their care offers a constructive outlet that is advantageous to both people and dogs, and they are there for us when we need to vent or just need a nice snuggle.

However, staying at home alone with your pet can have its share of difficulties. When you’re cooped up inside, our pet behaviorists have some advice on how to keep your furry friend content and active. in the article Tips to Keep Dogs Happy Indoors.

10 Tips to Keep Dogs & Cats Happy Indoors

1. Stick to your dogs Routine

It’s possible that a few very major disruptions have occurred to your routine. It can be tempting to abandon your pet’s habits at difficult times like these as well.

Dr. Annie Valuska, a Purina behaviorist, doesn’t recommend this, stating that it’s important to stick to your pet’s routine as closely as possible. Walking, toilet training, and feeding your dog need to be practiced as usual. If your dog is used to going for rides in the car, do continue taking them out on short rides.

2. Be Intentional About Rest Time

Allow your pet a lot of downtime throughout the day. He may be used to left
alone time to himself while the family is away.

“If you’re going to change your pet’s routine with a lot of socialization, that’s not good,” says Purina behaviorist Dr. Francois Martin. Pets aren’t kids. They don’t need to be kept busy with activities by their owners all day.

A sigh of relief from parents now—the family dog or cat will be OK, even enjoy some alone time when Junior needs something to do.

3. Let Them Chew it Out

Giving your pet a long-chew treat might help keep him occupied during those stressful conference calls, homeschooling sessions, or just times when you need to relax.

Kongs and other robust toys can be filled with peanut butter and frozen to provide a longer-lasting distraction if your pet has a tendency to gobble up his treats.

Purina behaviorist Dr. Séverine Ligout reminds us that although giving your pet treats can be enjoyable, it’s also simple to overfeed them. Remember to watch your calorie intake and feed a bit less at mealtime to make up for any excess calories from treats.

4. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

Control your anxiety and direct it toward something constructive like exercise. It is in your best interest and your pet’s benefit to remain active throughout this period.

Even though you can’t take your dog to the dog park to exercise, there are still methods you can help him release some energy. You can get a little exercise even from a simple trip to the mailbox. If you’re confined indoors, move some furniture to create space for a tug-of-war or fetch activity.

Play a game of chase outside in your backyard, if you have one.

Exercise is another strategy Purina behaviorist Serena Juma says will keep your pet on track. She recommends play times around the same time each day.

“This will promote the human-animal bond, give your pet physical and mental stimulation, and encourage them to follow routine.”

5. Play Some Mind Games

Mental stimulation, such as teaching your pet a few new tricks, is another excellent method of making them tired out! Have you ever wished your cat could dance or your dog could roll over? These are the ideal lessons to learn right now.

Even like people, pets experience what we call the ‘Eureka Effect,'” says Purina behaviorist Dr. Ragen McGowan. The emotional response to problem solving—”ah ha”—that magic moment when it finally all comes together. An upsurge of joyful emotions fills you. As it does with our dogs.

You can also use mealtimes to stimulate your animal’s brain and to make their day more interesting. Just make searching for food a little bit challenging at mealtimes by sprinkling it around the house and letting them sniff it out. Or include a puzzle toy in the meal.

6. Be a Considerate Roommate

A noisy roommate is not appreciated by anyone, and your pet is no different! Now that you and your pet are spending a lot of quality time together, remember that animals have far better hearing than humans do, so try to avoid making too much noise.

This means they will ultimately have some downtime. Dr. Valuska recommends, “If background noise is a must, consider occasionally substituting the TV, podcasts, or radio for some classical music—which studies show can help calm pets.”

7. Get Kids Involved

Make sure to involve your children in the upkeep of an indoor pet—one that is happy and healthy. It’s a perfect opportunity to teach children to read pet body language and remind them of pet etiquette. Including dogs in the education of children can be fun as well.

Dr. Sandra Lyn, a behaviorist with Purina, says, “Pets have been shown to help children in some areas of learning (e.g., reading). Kids still need to learn.” “If the pet is cooperative, incorporate reading to them as a regular part of your child’s routine and encourage them to do the same.”

8. Stick to a Healthy Diet

Even if you might be overindulging in brownies and mac & cheese from a box these days, your pet can still maintain a nutritious diet.

Don’t start feeding table scraps just because your ‘table’ happens to be your couch these days,” says Dr. Valuska. Stick to a consistent feeding schedule, and try to feed the same food to your pet every day.

If you are going to give them more than usual, and really, let’s be honest, they are worthy, award your pet with extra special treats.

But remember, treats shouldn’t make up more than 10 percent of a pet’s daily calories.

9. Create a “Safe Spot”

There are suddenly more people around than there usually are, so granting your pet a space of his own can help him feel safe and comfortable. While dogs also benefit from having a “safe space,” it is with the cat that this seems to benefit most.

“If you think all this sudden ‘togetherness’ is overwhelming them, make sure your pet has a safe space the whole family respects,” says

They must be left alone when they are in there; actually, it is good to imagine that they become ‘invisible’ there.”

Inform the young animal lover that the pet just needs some time alone in their special spot until they are ready for play.

Also Read : How to Stop a Dog from Digging

10. Get Creative!

When new toys are not in the budget, Dr. McGowan recommends getting creative and making homemade toys and enrichment to keep pets stimulated and satisfied.

Your dog or cat can find pleasure in destroying toys, such as a cardboard tube filled with treats or a plastic bottle with chewing holes, you say.

I am sure that “10 Tips to Keep Dogs & Cats Happy Indoors ” Guide will help you