When it comes to the brain, pets are just like people \u2014 they either use it or lose it. During the summer months, they have their humans around more than ever to entertain them and keep them on their toes. But come fall, there\u2019s less to do, fewer folks to hang out with and your dog or cat can end up just hanging out on the couch for hours. That\u2019s no good.<\/p>\n
Think of toys as a way to structure your dog or cat\u2019s day. Some toys are great for hanging out on their own, others are fun for playing with you, and others make mealtime way more interesting. Ready to incorporate toys<\/u><\/strong><\/a> into your pet\u2019s day at home? Class is now in session.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what a typical schedule could look like:<\/p>\n MATH CLASS, AKA PUZZLE TOYS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Puzzle toys<\/u><\/strong><\/a> force your dog or cat to solve a problem (\u201cWhere is that delicious treat?\u201d) to earn a reward (\u201cFound the TREAT!\u201d). They\u2019re super engrossing so they\u2019re perfect for when you\u2019re busy and need to keep your furry friend entertained.<\/p>\n SCIENCE CLASS, AKA INTERACTIVE TOYS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Interactive toys<\/u><\/strong><\/a> let your dog or cat perform all kinds of fun experiments to answer questions like, \u201cWhy is that light flashing\u201d or, \u201cCan I stop that from moving\u201d or, \u201cHow does it make that weird noise?\u201d Great for their minds, and great for solo play.<\/p>\n GYM CLASS, AKA INDOOR TOYS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Indoor toys<\/u><\/strong><\/a> help your pet stay in shape plus they give you guys a chance to keep each other on your toes. Dogs enjoy tussling over plush or stuffless toys that are safe to toss around indoors. For cats, anything they can pretend to hunt is great, including cat kickers, prey toys, sound toys and shiny toys.\u00a0<\/p>\n LUNCH, AKA TREAT FEEDER TOYS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Treat feeder toys<\/u><\/strong><\/a> turn mealtime into a mission. If you stuff the toy with something tasty and then hide it, you can actually let your dog or cat hunt down their food. That\u2019s mental stimulation plus exercise for the win.<\/p>\n STUDY HALL, AKA CHEWS AND SCRATCHERS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Chews<\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0may seem like just a delicious treat but gnawing on them actually stimulates your dog\u2019s brain as well as their taste buds. And don\u2019t leave out the felines \u2014 cats love chews too. Speaking of cats, don\u2019t forget to get them a scratcher<\/u><\/strong><\/a> post. It gives them something enticing to destroy aside from the couch, plus it\u2019s fun for them to perch on and spy.<\/p>\n