Spring is sprung, the grass is riz. What fun for humans and pets there is!
The warmer weather is finally upon us. We can get outside more and enjoy the great outdoors with our four- or sometimes two-legged friends in tow. So what are some of the fun activities you can enjoy with your pet this season?
Go on a picnic
Going on a picnic with your dog or cat can be a very enjoyable experience. Your pet gets to experience a new environment and you get to do something a little different with it. How perfect is that?
What you will need: Regardless of whether you’re taking your dog or cat on this excursion, it’s important that they are properly restrained. Keep your pet on a leash for the duration of the picnic. It’s recommended you bring a blanket or something comfortable for you to sit on, as well as some snacks — both for you and your pet! That way you can play some games and do some trick training while you’re out and about. Remember to bring doggy pick-up bags and a collapsible or portable water bowl to prevent your pet from becoming dehydrated.
Wait! Before you leave for the picnic, make sure the area you’re taking your pet to is legal. Dogs and cats aren’t allowed in national parks and some other public areas, so check with your local council for more information.
Get creatively clean
We all know that spring is a time to get cleaning, right? Why not go through your wardrobe and find any clothes, blankets or towels that are in poor condition, tie them all together and hey, presto! You just got yourself a tug-o’-war implement that will offer you and your dog hours of fun this season (and give you that good spring cleaning feeling).
What you will need: Old clothes, towels and blankets — both yours and your pet’s. Make sure you have some treats on hand, too, to reward your dog while you’re playing.
Host a pet party
What better reason is there to celebrate than the season of spring? Host a party for your dog with some of its friends from either the dog park, or canines of other family members or friends.* It’s a great excuse for a get-together with like-minded people and your dog will have the time of his life, too!This idea is better suited to dogs than cats, given cats’ territorial nature.
What you will need: Make sure you have lots of full fresh water bowls scattered throughout your yard to ensure no dog gets dehydrated, especially now that the warmer weather has settled in. It’s also a good idea to have some treats on hand, enough for your dog and the other pooches, to help encourage good behaviour. Of course, you will need a few snacks for your human friends, too. Why not bake a cake for your guests — and if you’re feeling extra creative, you could make some pup-cakes for your pooch friends!
Wait! Before you host your pooch party, it’s important to remember that it isn’t a good idea to bring dogs that don’t already know each other and play well together. A party can be a high-energy place and some dogs may feel threatened if faced with too many new sights, sounds and smells. Stick to animals that get along and make sure all introductions are done slowly.
Other spring flings
Want more spring flings? Why not build a cat-io for your feline friend, an enclosed outdoor area that lets your cat enjoy the warmer weather with you. This is a fun construction project for you and a friend or two. You could also try take advantage of the warmer weather and take your horse on a trail ride. Many horse schools Australia-wide offer organised rides, or you can do some research yourself.
Want to get your bird to enjoy that spring feeling? Place a small bird bath in the bottom of its cage. If your pet’s cage is in the sun, this may encourage it to play in the water, getting a refreshing break from the warmer weather.
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