{"id":72,"date":"2020-02-04T06:00:02","date_gmt":"2020-02-04T06:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdblogdev.frontrowdigital.com\/index.php\/2020\/02\/04\/there-s-more-to-life-than-a-full-food-dish-and-a-comfy-bed\/"},"modified":"2026-03-20T01:02:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T01:02:06","slug":"pet-enrichment-activities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/pet-parenting\/pet-enrichment-activities","title":{"rendered":"THERE\u2019S MORE TO LIFE THAN A FULL FOOD DISH AND A COMFY BED."},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s easy to assume your pet has it all. Who wouldn\u2019t want to just lie around, eat treats and chase a tennis ball? But just because pets appreciate the simple things doesn\u2019t mean their happiness isn\u2019t complicated. They\u2019ve got wants, needs and even fears that all need paying attention to if you want them to truly feel their best.<\/p>\n

OUR GUIDE TO PET HAPPINESS<\/strong><\/p>\n

MIND<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

BE AWARE HOW YOUR MOOD AFFECTS THEM<\/strong><\/p>\n

You\u2019re the center of your dog or cat\u2019s world. That means when you\u2019re upset, they pay close attention to your behavior and tone of voice, and often end up feeling unsettled as well. The next time you\u2019re going through it, don\u2019t forget to comfort them \u2014and hey, it will probably comfort you too.<\/p>\n

UNDERSTAND THEIR ANIMAL INSTINCTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dog dug up your garden? Cat clawed the sofa? These are definitely behaviors to work on \u2014 but it\u2019s also just your pet being an animal. Same goes for chasing, barking and chewing. They\u2019re not trying to be destructive or bad when they follow their natural urges, so try to provide outlets for them, like scratching posts and chew toys. And always be understanding and patient as you train.<\/p>\n

KNOW (AND RESPECT) THEIR ISSUES<\/strong><\/p>\n

Every pet has hot buttons that can set them off. For example, if they hate loud noises, then late-night parties band practices are both scenarios you might want to avoid. For situations that are harder to escape, like fireworks, you\u2019ll want to protect your pet by creating a safe zone for them and maybe giving them a\u00a0<\/span>calming aid<\/u><\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

BODY<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

WELLNESS STARTS WITH WHAT THEY EAT<\/strong><\/p>\n

But it doesn\u2019t stop there.\u00a0<\/span>Build a bowl<\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>around their\u00a0<\/span>unique health needs<\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>and rotate the foods you feed them regularly for a balanced diet. And remember, grooming isn\u2019t just about looking good. It also prevents itchy skin, painful matting and injuries from overgrown nails.<\/p>\n

MORE EXERCISE, LESS BOREDOM<\/strong><\/p>\n

Your pet may enjoy a nice long nap sometimes, but sleeping all day isn\u2019t healthy for them. The stress from lack of exercise and mental stimulation can actually lead dogs and cats to create their own \u201cjobs\u201d to stay busy \u2014 these are often problem behaviors that cause trouble. Making time for regular play and long walks keeps pets fit and happy, plus they get a chance to bond with their favorite person \u2014 you.<\/p>\n

PETTING IS BETTER THAN HUGGING<\/strong><\/p>\n

To you, a close cuddle is a sign of affection. But to many pets, it can just feel like being trapped or smothered. Your pet loves you and wants to be close but often petting and playing make them much happier.<\/p>\n

ENVIRONMENT<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

KEEP THINGS CONSISTENT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pets hate the confusion and stress of change even more than we do, so think twice before rearranging their schedule or moving their litter box or crate. Any change to a pet\u2019s life should be made slowly and with lots of encouragement.<\/p>\n

GIVE THEM SPACE AT MEALTIME<\/strong><\/p>\n

You know how you feel when someone eyes the last slice of pizza? Pets can get territorial about food too \u2014 it\u2019s called resource guarding. Make sure everyone has their own food bowl area, with no other pets or people around. If problems persist, time to see a trainer.<\/p>\n

TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS<\/strong><\/p>\n

And by business, we mean poop. Pets don\u2019t like going in a messy bathroom any more than you do, so clean out the litterbox regularly and make sure to scoop up the piles in your yard.<\/p>\n

WORRIED ABOUT YOUR PET?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Here are some signs your pet is really unhappy and stressed.<\/p>\n

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