By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator
WHEN the rain rolls in and the footy gets switched on, it’s easy to settle in for a cosy day inside. But while you might be content curled up on the lounge, your dog is still raring to go. Wet weather can disrupt your daily routine, but it shouldn’t put your dog’s need for physical and mental stimulation on hold.
Exercise plays a huge role in your dog’s overall health and wellbeing. It helps maintain a healthy weight, builds muscle tone, supports joint health, and offers essential mental enrichment. Dogs who miss out on their regular exercise can become frustrated or bored, which often leads to unwanted behaviours like barking, digging, or chewing things they shouldn’t.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep your dog active indoors—even when it’s bucketing down outside. With a little imagination, your living room can become the perfect rainy-day playground.
Start with enrichment feeding. Rather than serving their kibble in a bowl, use puzzle toys, snuffle mats, or treat-dispensing balls. You can even make your own with an empty water bottle—just make sure it’s clean, safe, and appropriately sized. This turns feeding time into a mentally stimulating activity and slows down fast eaters too.
Games like hide-and-seek are a hit with both dogs and kids. Have someone hide and then call your dog’s name—reward them when they find the person. It’s a fun, interactive way to reinforce recall training while giving your dog a challenge.
Got a hallway or open space? Try indoor fetch or tug-of-war. A soft toy or ball can help burn off excess energy, especially for younger or high-energy dogs. Or, set up a makeshift agility course using household items: broomsticks for jumping, chairs for weaving, or blankets to crawl under.
Scent work is also brilliant for wet weather days. Hide treats or pieces of dry food in different rooms and encourage your dog to sniff them out. This taps into their natural foraging instincts and keeps their brain busy.
Of course, a walk in the rain isn’t completely off the table. If conditions are safe, pop on a waterproof coat and embrace the drizzle—many dogs don’t mind a bit of rain, especially if it means an adventure!
Rainy days don’t have to mean lazy days. With a bit of creativity, you can help your dog stay physically fit and mentally sharp—whatever the weather.
For more tips or tailored advice, give us a call on 02 4736 2027. The team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital is always here to help keep your pets happy and healthy.
