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Our favourite walking routes are getting muddy and those cosy days by the fireplace are calling. But let’s face it, our pups aren’t quite ready to swap adventure for snuggles just yet! When rainy days keep you inside, boredom can set in fast for your furry friend. Whether it’s simply because you don’t have the time to deal with a super muddy pup, or your dog isn’t the biggest fan of the wet weather, don’t worry. There are plenty of fun, interactive dog toys that will keep them entertained indoors (and out of trouble!) even when weather isn’t on your side.
The answer is yes! Most dogs love walking in the rain. The puddles, muddy paths, and fresh smells make it a whole new adventure for them. Rainy days add an extra layer of fun to their routine, and your pup will probably be more excited than ever to splash around. However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable walk.
First, avoid walking your dog during thunderstorms. Loud thunder can spook your dog, and the risk of lightning makes it unsafe for both of you. Also, visibility can be reduced during heavy rain, so stick to familiar routes and be extra cautious of traffic. It’s always a good idea to wear high-visibility attire – that includes you and your dog! – so drivers and other pedestrians can see you.
Smaller dogs and short-haired breeds can get colder quicker in wintery rain, so be prepared to wrap them up in a cosy dog coat. A little extra warmth goes a long way in making the walk enjoyable. And don’t forget to bring along some treats and have an interactive dog toy waiting for them at home to reward them for braving the wet weather.
If it’s really pouring, it might be better to shorten your walks and balance their outdoor adventures with some indoor playtime. Interactive dog toys are perfect for keeping your pup entertained when the weather isn’t ideal for long walks. After all, a little rain shouldn’t stop the fun—inside or outside!
Interactive dog toys are designed to mentally stimulate your dog, keeping them entertained and engaged, and it’s especially useful to have a good stock of designs in your home when outdoor play isn’t an option! Interactive dog toys are also more than great fun, but they help to challenge our pups’ brains to tire them out mentally, which is just as important as physical exercise. Dogs are like us, they get tired after a full day of work too! So on days when a walk outside isn’t possible, tire them with interactive dog toys.
One popular type of dog interactive toy is the dog puzzle toy. These toys come in various designs that require your dog to figure out how to access a hidden treat. From sliding pieces to hidden compartments, dog puzzles encourage your canine companion to think critically and use problem-solving skills. They’re perfect for keeping your dog entertained and preventing boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviours like chewing or digging – something we definitely want to avoid in our beautiful homes!
Another great option is lick mats for dogs. These mats are coated with peanut butter, yoghurt, or other dog-friendly spreads, and their textured surface provides a calming activity for your pup. Licking can be soothing for dogs, making lick mats a great way to reduce anxiety during storms or rainy days.
For puppies, puppy puzzle toys are a fantastic way to introduce them to problem-solving activities while also keeping them busy. It’s not just rainy days that can keep our puppies indoors. Until they’ve had all their jabs, our pups are often told to be kept inside to avoid potential exposure to harmful diseases. Interactive dog toys for puppies are generally less complex but still provide plenty of fun and mental stimulation.
There are also dog activity toys like treat-dispensing balls and bubbles for dogs that are perfect for high-energy dogs that need an outlet when they can’t get outside. They provide both mental and physical engagement, helping to burn off excess energy. Whether you’re looking for toys for dogs in the UK or anywhere else, interactive dog toys are a must-have. But which ones are the best?
So, now you know just how important interactive dog toys are for your pooch, where do you go about working out which one is best for your dog? We’ve got you. Here’s a full list of all the different types of interactive dog toys so you can find the perfect match for your furry friend’s needs and personality. We’ve broken it down by type, so whether your pup loves to sniff out treats, solve puzzles, or simply needs a boredom buster, you’ll know exactly what to look for.
Lick mats are those fun, textured mats you’ve seen uniquely designed with grooves and recesses. They are designed to be covered in soft foods like peanut butter, yogurt, or wet dog food over the surface, encouraging your dog to lick away. Did you know licking is a soothing activity for dogs? So lick mats are perfect for helping to reduce anxiety and boredom, especially on rainy days when they can't go outside. These food toys for dogs also slow down eating, making them a healthier option too!
SodaPup has an incredible range of fun dog lick mat designs. During the rainy seasons of autumn and winter, designs like the Zombie Emat Enrichment Licking Mat feel well suited! It’s a fun way to bring Halloween into your home and to your pup. We can just imagine it covered in pumpkin butter or even left over pumpkin innards after you’ve carved yours for Halloween!
Treat dispensers are interactive dog toys that release treats as your dog plays with them. They’re another fun way to keep your pup engaged and mentally stimulated on those rainy days indoors. These puzzle toys for dogs encourage problem-solving as your dog figures out how to get the treats out, making playtime more rewarding. A dog treat puzzle can come in different shapes and difficulty levels, from rolling balls to more complex designs with hidden compartments. Simply fill the interactive dog toy with your dog’s favourite treats, and watch them enjoy hours of entertainment while keeping their brain sharp!
For pups new to interactive dog toys, we recommend the Scented Large Hive Treat Dispenser & Enrichment Toy for Dogs. This colourful, multi-functional dog toy can be used as a fetch toy indoors as well as a treat dispenser. Its erratic bounce keeps dogs happily engaged during fetch and dogs love to gnaw on the unique hive design. The gap inside also has plenty of room for treats, and will teach your dog to work harder for their food! It’s also scented for additional benefits!
Puzzle toys are like treat dispensers but often more complex and challenging. Designed to really test your dog’s problem-solving skills, these interactive dog toys feature multiple compartments, sliders, or flaps that your dog must figure out to access the treats inside. Once again, puzzle toys for dogs are perfect for keeping their mind sharp, especially on rainy days. Simply hide your dog's favourite treats inside and let them work to unlock the reward!
One of our all-time favourite puzzle toys is the SmartyPaws Puzzler Donut Slider. From ZippyPaws, this interactive dog toy teaches your dog to solve the puzzle for them to access their tasty treats hidden inside. It has different levels of difficulty to suit different breed types and ages. So even when your dog has mastered one section, you can move them up and keep their problem-solving skills growing.
Snuffle mats are fun, interactive dog toys designed to mimic the natural foraging experience for dogs. They’re made of fabric strips where you can hide treats or kibble, encouraging your pup to sniff and search for their food. A dog snuffle mat is perfect for mental stimulation and slowing down fast eaters. It taps into your dog’s natural instincts to hunt and forage, keeping them entertained, especially on rainy days. If you’re looking for a dog snuffle mat UK retailers, look no further than WOOOF!
We have a huge range of snuffle mats for dogs available to order so you’re prepared for those rainy days spent indoors. A popular – and unbelievably adorable - option is the Lollipop Soft Snuffle Enrichment Toy for Dogs by Lambwolf Collective. The beautifully knitted roll features a swirly lollipop design that can be cleverly stuffed with your pet’s treats. This is one for pups with a sweet tooth!
Soft interactive dog toys are perfect for dogs new to the world of interactive play, especially puppies. These plush toys hide treats inside, encouraging your dog to sniff, dig, and find their reward. Since they’re soft and cuddly, they’re great for gentle play and can double as a comforting companion when your pup is ready to relax by the fire. They offer a mix of mental stimulation and snuggles, making them a versatile choice for any dog’s toy box.
For the rainy season, we can’t think of a soft interactive dog toy better than the Canele Soft Snuffle Enrichment Toy for Dogs. This adorable plush pumpkin features six treat pockets that open sidewards, allowing your dog’s cute snout to fit in perfectly. It also has six squeakers inside for extra fun!
Walking your dog in the rain can be a delightful adventure, but it requires a bit of extra preparation to ensure both you and your pup stay comfortable and dry. Here’s a list of must-have items to make rainy day walks a breeze.
A well-fitted dog coat is essential for keeping your furry friend warm and dry during rainy walks. Look for waterproof or water-resistant materials that provide good coverage and have adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit. For extra warmth, consider coats with fleece linings or insulated options, especially if you have a short-haired breed or a puppy. A good coat will help protect against the chill and keep your dog comfortable throughout the walk.
Safety first! Reflective dog gear is crucial when walking in low-light or rainy conditions. Reflective vests, collars, or harnesses make your dog more visible to drivers and other pedestrians. Choose gear with high-visibility strips to ensure maximum visibility. This small investment can significantly enhance your dog’s safety on gloomy, rainy days.
After a rainy walk, a dog towel is your best friend. Keep a large, absorbent towel handy to dry off your dog before they shake water all over your home. Microfiber towels are especially effective at absorbing moisture quickly and can be used to wipe off mud from their paws and coat. A quick towel-down can prevent your dog from becoming chilled and help keep your home clean.
If your dog tends to get particularly muddy or wet, having a good dog shampoo on hand is a must. Opt for a gentle, hypoallergenic formula that’s easy on your dog’s skin. Regular baths with the right shampoo will help keep your dog’s coat clean and healthy, especially after frequent rainy walks.
Lastly, a dog brush is handy for grooming after a walk. Rain can leave your dog’s coat tangled and matted, especially if they’ve been running through puddles or mud. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and debris, preventing mats and keeping your dog’s coat looking sleek.
Rainy days don’t have to put a damper on your pup’s fun – or yours! With the right interactive dog toys, you can easily transform those dreary wet days into an engaging and exciting play session. From dog puzzles that challenge your pup’s problem-solving skills to lick mats that provide a soothing, rewarding experience, there’s no shortage of interactive dog toys to keep your dog entertained indoors.
The beauty of interactive dog toys is their ability to cater to different needs and preferences. High-energy dogs will love the mental stimulation and activity provided by treat-dispensing toys or puzzle challenges, while more laid-back pups will appreciate the calming effects of a good lick mat or soft toy. And let’s not forget the added bonus of these toys helping to alleviate boredom and prevent destructive behaviours.
Rainy days can actually be a great opportunity to introduce new interactive dog toys and activities into your dog's routine. It’s a chance to keep their minds active and their spirits high, even when the weather outside isn’t ideal. Plus, with so many types of interactive dog toys available, you can mix and match to find the perfect combination for your furry friend’s unique needs.
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Consider your dog’s age, size, and activity level. For puppies or older dogs, look for softer interactive dog toys and simpler puzzles. High-energy dogs may enjoy more complex toys that involve problem-solving or physical activity.
When preparing your dog for a rainy walk, the right gear can make a huge difference in their comfort and enjoyment. Start with a waterproof dog coat or rain jacket. These coats are designed to keep your dog dry by repelling water and often have adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit. Look for features like reflective strips for visibility and a waterproof material that offers full coverage from neck to tail.
Absolutely! After a wet walk, interactive dog toys can help your dog warm up, stay engaged, and expend any remaining energy. They provide a great indoor activity to complement their outdoor exercise.