Rainy Days Don't Have to Mean Bored Pets

We’ve all been there. You look out the window, the rain is coming down sideways, and your dog gives you that look, the one that says “surely we’re still going for a walk?” Meanwhile, the cat has decided to climb the curtains out of sheer boredom.

Wet, cold days aren’t fun for anyone, and it’s easy to feel guilty when your pets can’t get their usual outdoor time. But the truth is, there are loads of simple ways to keep them happy and entertained indoors. Some don’t cost a penny, and others can be made a lot easier with the right toys.

Simple Ideas to Try at Home

• Turn dinner into a game: Instead of putting food in a bowl, scatter it around the room or hide it inside a puzzle toy. It slows down greedy eaters and keeps their brains busy.

• Snuffle time: A snuffle mat is brilliant for dogs and cats. Sprinkle kibble in the folds and let them forage, it’s surprisingly tiring for them!

• DIY fun: Grab a cardboard box, scrunch up some paper, hide a few treats inside and let your pet dig around. Messy? A little. Fun? Absolutely.

• Training tricks: Short bursts of training are great on rainy days. Teach “spin” or “touch”, even five minutes can make a big difference.

• Good old play: Tug-of-war with a rope, gentle fetch with a soft toy, or even hide and seek around the house. Pets don’t mind if it’s not glamorous, they just love the interaction.

A Few of Our Favourites

At Sash & Pepps, we’ve picked out toys that are perfect for dreary days indoors:

• Puzzle Toys that make mealtimes fun and keep pets thinking.

• Tug Toys and Squeaky Companions for burning energy when space is limited.

• Cat Puzzles and Toys that bring out their hunting instincts without stepping outside.

• Small Animal Exercise Toys so hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs can join in the fun too.

Little Tips That Help

• Keep an eye on new toys the first few times, some pets are enthusiastic destroyers!

• Don’t bring everything out at once. Rotate toys so they always feel exciting.

• If you’re using treats, take them from their daily allowance so you’re not overfeeding.

• Most importantly: keep it positive. Enrichment should be enjoyable, not frustrating.

Rainy days don’t have to mean bored pets or chaos in the house. With a little creativity and the right enrichment toys, you can turn a miserable afternoon into something fun for both of you.

And honestly, there’s nothing better than seeing your pet finally flop down for a nap afterwards, completely content, while the rain keeps pouring outside.

Take a look at our favourite enrichment toys at Sash and Pepps and see which ones your pet might love most.