3 Ways to Keep Your Pet Entertained While You’Re Away from Home
Keeping pets entertained while away from home is a common challenge for many pet owners. This article explores innovative solutions, from interactive toys to tech-savvy gadgets, that can help alleviate pet boredom and anxiety. Drawing on insights from veterinary experts and animal behaviorists, these strategies offer practical ways to ensure your furry friends stay engaged and content in your absence.
- Kong Classic and Furbo Keep Dogs Engaged
- Creative Puzzles and Tech Entertain Pets
- Audio Books Provide Companionship for Dogs
Kong Classic and Furbo Keep Dogs Engaged
Hi,
My name is Omar Malaika, and I'm the Co-founder of SolukyPet.com. Based on real-life experience, here's what works best to keep pets entertained while you're away:
I use the Kong Classic filled with frozen peanut butter or kibble. It keeps my dog mentally stimulated and busy for hours. I also rely on the Furbo Dog Camera, which lets me check in through video call, speak to him, and toss treats remotely. This combination keeps him calm, happy, and feeling connected even when I'm not home.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best Regards,
Creative Puzzles and Tech Entertain Pets
Leaving your pet at home can tug at your heartstrings, but with a bit of creativity and the help of modern technology, you can ensure they stay happy and stimulated until you return.
Create a simple puzzle by hiding treats in a muffin tin and covering each cup with tennis balls. Or, fold kibble into a towel and roll it up--your pet will love unwrapping it to find their reward.
Before leaving, hide treats or favorite toys around the house. This encourages natural foraging behavior and keeps your pet moving and thinking.
Fill a cardboard box with shredded paper, and toss in a few treats or toys. Your pet will love digging around, and it's great for mental stimulation.
Stuff a Kong toy or silicone mold with peanut butter, yogurt, or wet food and freeze it. This provides a tasty challenge that can occupy them for quite a while.
Devices like Furbo or Petcube let you check in on your pet, talk to them, and even dispense treats. The voice interaction can soothe anxious pets and remind them they're not alone.
These keep your pet's routine consistent and add fun surprises throughout the day. Some toys even activate at set intervals to keep your pet on their toes.
Track your pet's movement while you're out. Some models send updates straight to your phone so you can monitor their playtime and rest.
Install a pet door that only opens for your pet using microchip or collar sensor access. That way, they can roam safely between the house and garden.
Create a little outdoor haven with shaded spots, digging areas, and toys to explore. Motion-activated sprinklers or pet-safe fountains can be a big hit, too!
No matter which method you choose, always make sure all toys, treats, and gadgets are pet-safe and appropriate for your pet's size, breed, and chewing habits. Regularly inspect items for wear and tear to avoid choking hazards or injuries.
And remember--how long you're away matters. Short trips might only require a few enriching activities, but longer absences call for more planning, interaction, or even a pet sitter or dog walker. Every pet is different, and their comfort levels vary depending on personality, age, and how used they are to being alone.
With a little prep and the right tools, your pet can feel loved, secure, and happily entertained while you're away.
Audio Books Provide Companionship for Dogs
"When I started hiding audio books around the house, I didn't expect my dog to become a Sherlock Holmes-level sleuth. But here we are."
We tried all the usual methods—treat puzzles, lick mats, interactive feeders—but what really solved the problem for our anxious Australian Shepherd mix was narrative. I know that sounds strange. But I once left an old Bluetooth speaker on by accident, and when I came home, she was lying next to it as if it were a fireplace. It was playing an old BBC mystery series.
So I experimented: I started curating different audio experiences depending on her mood. On rainy days? Calming forest sounds with soft storytelling. On sunny days? High-energy nature documentaries with David Attenborough's soothing cadence. I even rotate speakers around the house so she "forages" for the story.
It's not just noise—it's companionship. There's a peculiar comfort, I think, in the steady rhythm of human voices telling stories. It keeps her engaged without overstimulation, and she seems noticeably less restless when I return.
Most people think of entertainment for pets as a purely physical challenge. But emotional enrichment matters too, especially when they're alone. And honestly, this little audio library approach has been a game-changer.
