Owner playing with his Dalmatian dog

Spending quality time with your beloved pet is not only a joyous experience but also essential for their well-being. Outdoor adventures with them are always fun but can be limited for various reasons. But don't worry, there are many ways you can have fun indoors with your pet.

Some indoor activities provide mental and physical stimulation for your pet and strengthen the bond between you. Keep reading to explore exciting indoor activities for your pet dogs and cats. You'll also get to know about fantastic toys that Pet Express recommends to enhance your pet's indoor playtime.

Indoor Activities for Dogs to Keep Their Tails Wagging

1. Hide-and-Seek

Engage your dog's instinct to search by playing hide-and-seek indoors. Have your dog stay in one room while you hide in another. Call out your dog's name and watch the excitement as they find you. Reward them with praise and treats when they succeed.

2. Puzzle Toys

Keep your dog mentally stimulated with interactive puzzle toys. Such toys for pets challenge their problem-solving skills and provide hours of entertainment. Treat-dispensing toys are an excellent choice for this kind of activity. Put some lickable treats inside puzzle toys and have them bust their boredom.

Dog eating food3. Indoor Fetch

Adapt the classic game of fetch for your dog’s indoor play. Create a play area for your dog. This could be a long hallway or open living space. Use soft, lightweight toys like a rubber ball for dogs or rope toys to prevent any accidents inside your house.

Remember to reward them afterward with treats or praise for their efforts.

Black dog playing with his/her toy4. Obstacle Course

Transform your indoor spaces into a mini obstacle course using household items. An indoor obstacle course activity is great for providing mental stimulation and physical exercise for pets. Arrange chairs, small tables, or cushions to create a tunnel, and use broomsticks or stacked items for low jumps. Guide your dog through the course as you reward them at each stage.

5. Teach New Tricks

Take advantage of your indoor time to teach your dog new tricks. Training sessions can strengthen your bond and challenge your dog's intelligence. Teach them simple commands like "sit," or "stay," or more advanced tricks like "rollover" or "fetch a specific toy".

Owner playing with her dog and giving the dog treats

Engage Your Cat with Interactive Toys and Challenges

1. Interactive Laser Pointer

Cats are instinctively drawn to the elusive light of a laser pointer. Create engaging movement patterns for your cat to chase. Be careful not to shine the laser directly into their eyes. End the play session with a physical toy they can catch and pounce on to fulfill their hunting instinct.

2. Feather Wand

Cats love to chase and pounce on moving objects. Use a feather wand toy to mimic the movements of a bird or prey. Allow your cat to leap and grab the feather, providing them with a satisfying play experience. Remember to supervise playtime to prevent the cat from ingesting any loose parts.

two cats playing with each other3. Treat Puzzle Toys

Satisfy your cat's curiosity by letting them play with a treat puzzle toy. This type of toy requires your cat to figure out how to access the hidden treats. It also encourages problem-solving skills and mental stimulation.

Look for puzzle feeders designed specifically for cats. You can use your homemade cat training treat recipes for healthy and delicious play.

4. Vertical Spaces

Cats love to climb and explore. They jump, climb, and perch on elevated areas, mimicking their instinct to be high up and observe their surroundings.

Create vertical spaces in your home with cat trees, shelves, wall-mounted perches, or even their cat condo. It does not only provide exercise and entertainment for your cat but also offers them a sense of security and territory. Ensure the vertical spaces are sturdy and stable, allowing your cat to safely explore and relax.

two cats playing with their toy5. Interactive Puzzle Toys

Challenge your cat's problem-solving abilities with interactive puzzle toys. These pet toys usually involve hiding treats or kibble inside compartments. Cats are then required to move or solve a puzzle and access the rewards.

It stimulates their mental and physical skills, keeping them engaged and entertained. Puzzle toys are the perfect indoor activity for cats designed to keep your feline friend challenged.

Discover These Engaging Pet Toys at Pet Express

Before starting an indoor activity with your pet, make sure you have all the toys you need to make their playtime enjoyable. We rounded up our top toys for pets that provide entertainment, engagement, and enjoyment for your beloved pets. Check them out here:

Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Level 2

Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Level 2

This dog brick puzzle toy is a fun and engaging toy designed to challenge and stimulate your dog's mind. It features sturdy construction with compartments and sliding tiles that conceal treats or kibble. This toy encourages dogs to figure out how to move the tiles and access the hidden rewards.

Its level 2 difficulty is perfect for dogs who enjoy a mental challenge and need to expend some mental energy. It promotes active thinking, helps to prevent boredom, and provides a rewarding indoor activity for your furry friend.

Nina Ottoson Melon Madness Puzzle and Play Level 2

Nina Ottoson Melon Madness Puzzle and Play Level 2

For cats, Nina Ottoson’s cat puzzle game is designed to engage and entertain your energetic feline companion. It features a melon-shaped puzzle with multiple compartments and sliding covers that hide treats or kibble. This toy encourages your cat to use its natural hunting instincts and problem-solving skills to discover hidden rewards.

The Level 2 difficulty of this toy is perfect for cats who have already mastered Level 1 puzzles or are seeking a more challenging play experience. The puzzle can be adjusted to different difficulty levels, allowing you to customize the challenge for your cat's abilities.

Pet Pals Animal Body Rope with Squeaker Toys

Pet Pals Animal Body Rope with Squeaker Toys

The Pet Pals Animal Body Rope Toy is a must-have for energetic dogs who love interactive playtime. This toy combines the durability of a rope with the excitement of squeakers and adorable animal designs. Its rope body is made from high-quality materials that can withstand rough play, making it great for tugging and fetching games.

The added squeakers inside the animal-shaped attachments provide an enticing sound that captures your dog's attention and keeps them engaged. Whether it's a game of tug-of-war or a spirited game of fetch, this dog toy will surely provide hours of fun for your furry friend.

Doggo Dog Toy Prizm Bone

Doggo Dog Toy Prizm Bone

The Doggo Dog Toy Prizm Bone is a versatile and durable toy that your dog will love sinking their teeth into. This bone-shaped toy is made from tough and long-lasting materials, ensuring it can withstand the toughest chewing sessions.

The textured surface of the Prizm Bone promotes dental health by massaging your dog's gums and cleaning their teeth as they chew. It also has a hole where you can put in the best dog treats for training that dogs can try to get. The vibrant pink color adds a pop of fun to your dog's playtime, making it easy to spot during an indoor or outdoor game of fetch.

Approved Plush Paw Shape Dog Toy

Approved Plush Paw Shape Dog Toy

If you are looking for a delightful toy to use for some indoor activity with your dog, our Approved Plush Paw Shape Dog Toy will quickly become your dog's new favorite play and snuggle buddy. Shaped like a paw, this plush toy is crafted from soft and gentle materials, making it perfect for dogs who love to cuddle.

The toy is also suitable for chewing, providing a satisfying texture for your dog's jaws. Whether it's a game of toss and retrieve or a comforting companion during naptime, this plush dog toy offers endless joy and comfort for your canine companion.

If you are on the hunt for the best dog toys and cat toys for your pets' next indoor playtime, head over to the nearest Pet Express store. You can also fill your shopping cart at Petexpress.com.ph with other exciting products like the best cat treats, and more. Time to have fun with your pets!

Understanding pets