How to Keep Dogs & Cats Entertained on Hot Summer Days

By late June, summer is officially here, and for a lot of pets, that means more time indoors during the hottest parts of the day. Long walks, outdoor play, and backyard time are still fun, but when the pavement is hot and the afternoon sun is strong, indoor enrichment can be a much better way to keep dogs and cats busy.

The good news is that pets do not need a complicated setup to have a fun day inside. A few toys, chews, lick mats, puzzles, or catnip favorites can help add variety to their routine and give them something positive to focus on while they stay cool.

For dogs, enrichment toys are a great place to start. Puzzle toys, hide-and-seek toys, treat stuffers, and lick mats can help encourage problem-solving and slow, focused activity. These are especially helpful for dogs who get bored easily, have extra energy, or need something to do while you work, clean, or relax at home.

Chews are another simple summer favorite. A long-lasting chew can help satisfy your dog’s natural chewing instincts and keep them occupied during quiet indoor time. For many dogs, chewing is a calming activity, making it a great option for slower afternoons when it is too hot to be outside for long.

Lick mats can also be a helpful part of a summer routine. Spread soft treats, wet food, plain yogurt, or another pet-safe favorite across the mat and let your dog enjoy a slower, more focused snack. Licking can help create a calming activity, and lick mats are especially useful for rainy days, hot afternoons, bath time, or crate time.

Cats need enrichment too, even if they like to pretend they are above it. Catnip toys, crinkle toys, teaser toys, and hideaway-style toys can help encourage natural play behaviors like batting, chasing, pouncing, and exploring. Short play sessions throughout the day can make a big difference, especially for indoor cats.

Another easy way to keep pets entertained is to rotate their toys. Instead of leaving every toy out all the time, put a few away and bring them back later in the week. This makes old toys feel new again and helps keep your pet more interested without needing to constantly buy something new.

Hot summer days are also a great time to create a cozy indoor setup. Make sure your pet has access to fresh water, a cool resting spot, and a few activities they can enjoy safely inside. Whether your dog loves a chew, your cat loves catnip, or both of them need a little extra entertainment, indoor enrichment can make summer days feel easier and more fun.

This week, we’re highlighting toys, chews, lick mats, and playful finds that help dogs and cats stay busy, happy, and cool while summer heats up.