The Summer Sniffari: Fun Ways to Keep Dogs Mentally Stimulated in Hot Weather

Although we’ve had a typical up and down Spring this year, we all know it can get super hot these days – we can’t walk our dogs in the daytime then, so what do we do with them?!

While avoiding the midday heat is important, a bored dog can quickly become a mischievous dog. The good news is that mental exercise can be just as tiring as physical exercise.

Why Mental Stimulation Matters

Dogs use a huge portion of their brain to process smells. Allowing them to sniff, search and solve problems provides enrichment that can help reduce boredom, anxiety and unwanted behaviours.

In fact, just 15 minutes of focused scent work can leave many dogs as satisfied as a much longer walk.

Turn Your Garden into a Sniffari !!

Scatter a handful of treats or kibble around the garden and encourage your dog to “find it”. Start easy and gradually make the challenge harder by hiding treats behind plant pots or under safe garden objects.

You can also hide favourite toys and let your dog use their nose to track them down.

Frozen Fun

Frozen enrichment toys are perfect for hot weather. Try:

• Stuffing a Kong with dog-safe treats and freezing it
• Freezing low-salt broth into ice cube trays
• Creating a dog-friendly “ice lolly” with fruit and treats

Always supervise your dog and ensure ingredients are safe for canine consumption.

Indoor Treasure Hunts

When it’s simply too warm outside, hide treats around the house and encourage your dog to search room by room. This engages their natural hunting instincts and keeps their mind active.

Teach a New Trick

Summer can be a great time to work on training. Simple tricks such as spin, paw, roll over or learning the names of toys provide valuable mental exercise and strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

Remember

While exercise remains important, it’s perfectly acceptable to swap a long afternoon walk for enrichment activities when temperatures are high. Your dog will still get the stimulation they need while staying safe and comfortable. If you have any questions about looking after your dog in a hot spell just give us a ring and we’d be happy to discuss