put pet boredom to rest

Pets don’t have social handles, they don’t binge watch… life’s pretty simple. But maybe too simple, sometimes. Maybe even boring?

Yep, believe it or not, some pets get bored. Is yours? Here’s how to find out, plus some things you can do to help.

Is it boredom or a health issue?

A bored pet is one thing, a sick pet is another. So first things first: If your pet seems lethargic, less interested in exercise, is sleeping much more than usual or is showing other worrisome signs like lack of appetite, vomiting, and/or diarrhea — there might be a health issue beyond just boredom.

Or, if your pet’s acting really different than usual — almost rebellious about their boredom, in a way — that kind of behavior could actually create a more significant issue. Some pets in need of stimulation and exercise will find their own methods — often at the cost of your home, your carpet, your walls, or anything else they might chew, scratch, or damage.

If your pet is on either side of these two extremes, make an appointment with your local Banfield Pet Hospital veterinary team. They’ll be able to take a look and make sure that we aren’t dealing with a medical issue.

Hopefully, everything checks out and your furry friend is healthy and in good shape. And if you've ruled out illness, it's possible that your pet is basically just bored. And that’s when you can step in and notch up the excitement in their life.

Three fun ways to keep pets entertained

1. Toys, toys, and good-tasting toys. It’s funny how pets want variety in their playthings. Is there really a difference between one ball and another, or a fake brown mouse vs. a fake green hedgehog. Apparently so. Luckily, toys aren’t super expensive, so why skimp? We also love toys and balls that can be filled with treats, kibble, peanut butter… they might keep your pal entertained for hours. Just make sure you take these toys away if aggressive playing breaks them up enough that they become a swallow risk.
2. All aboard the training train. A lot of dogs and cats like to exercise their brains. If they’re showing signs of boredom, maybe they need some intellectual stimulation, aka, training. Teach your pup some new tricks or try some agility training. And… don’t laugh… some cats can be trained to do tricks, especially if there’s a tasty (and healthy!) food reward for their effort. Remember to always use positive reinforcement when training your pet.
3. Stretch those muscles. We recently watched a cat chase a fly around the house. It was amazing. She was so focused and excited, and all it took to make it happen was someone leaving the screen door open for a few minutes (oops). But you don’t have to let flies in the house to give your kitty exercise. Just get one of those fishing pole toys or a wand with a toy attached to the end, wave it in the air, and let your cat jump at it. Even easier: drag a toy across the ground and get ready for some pouncing! Some cats even like to chase balls or be trained to walk on a leash. Dogs need exercise, too…  and when they’re moving, they definitely aren’t bored. Try daily walks, varying your routes and schedule. Or play fetch, inside or out. And if the weather’s good and there’s somewhere safe to swim, you can take a water-loving dog for a wonderfully wet workout.

Hey, this is going to be fun. For both of you!