Hot Days, Happy Minds: Keeping Your Dog Stimulated During Warm Weather
When temperatures soar in the UK, our first concern is keeping our pets safe from heatstroke. But what often gets overlooked is the mental stimulation dogs still need—especially when their usual walks and playtimes are cut short. Boredom can lead to destructive behaviours, stress, and even depression in dogs.
Thankfully, there are plenty of creative, safe ways to keep your dog mentally and physically engaged even during the hottest summer days. In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips to stimulate your dog without risking overheating. You’ll also find expert guidance from the RSPCA and Blue Cross, along with product suggestions from JSM Pet Store to make every summer day a mentally enriching one.
🤖 1. Puzzle Toys: Keep Their Brain Busy
Dogs love solving problems, especially if there’s a tasty treat waiting at the end. Puzzle toys are perfect for rainy days and hot weather alike because they let dogs use their brains while staying cool inside.
Ideas to try:
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Food-dispensing toys like KONGs or treat balls
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Snuffle mats that encourage foraging
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Interactive treat puzzles with sliding panels or hidden compartments
JSM Pet Store Pick: Try our Bite Resistant Puzzle Pet Toy to challenge your dog’s problem-solving skills and keep boredom at bay.
RSPCA Tip: "Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Keep your dog entertained indoors with puzzle feeders and scent games."
🧊 2. Frozen Treat Games
When it’s too hot to run around, frozen treats can both cool your pup down and keep them busy. Think of them like doggy lollies—fun, hydrating, and delicious.
DIY frozen treat ideas:
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Freeze low-sodium chicken broth in an ice cube tray
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Stuff a KONG with banana, peanut butter (xylitol-free), and yoghurt, then freeze it
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Blend fruit like watermelon (seedless), blueberries, or apple slices into dog-safe popsicles
JSM Pick: Check out our Frozen Snack Chew Toy that holds treats and ice cubes.
Blue Cross Note: "Ice cubes and frozen pet-safe treats can be a great way to cool your dog down while providing enrichment."
🐾 3. Indoor Obstacle Courses & Nose Work
When outside time is limited, bring the fun indoors. You can use items from around the house to build simple courses that encourage your dog to climb, weave, or crawl—just be sure it’s safe and secure.
How to get started:
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Set up cushions to jump over
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Create a blanket tunnel
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Use chairs to make a weave course
Nose Work Game: Hide small treats or toys around the house and let your dog sniff them out. This taps into their natural scenting instincts and is surprisingly tiring (in a good way)!
RSPCA Insight: "Scent work can tire a dog out more than a long walk. It’s ideal for hot weather when exercise must be limited."
📖 4. Trick Training Sessions
Training is a brilliant way to keep your dog’s mind active. Teaching them new commands or tricks provides mental challenge, strengthens your bond, and can even help with behaviour management.
Tricks to try:
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Shake paw
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Spin in a circle
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Sit pretty
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Put toys away in a basket
Use short, positive training sessions—five to ten minutes is plenty in the heat.
Blue Cross Advice: "Mental stimulation helps reduce anxiety and prevent behavioural issues, especially when physical activity is limited."
JSM Pet Store Tip: Use small, low-calorie training treats to avoid weight gain.
☁️ 5. Shaded Garden Play & Gentle Water Games
If you have a garden or outdoor space, create a shaded play zone using parasols, trees, or pop-up tents. You can also use water to add a splash of fun—literally.
Safe outdoor activities:
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Use a paddling pool or dog-friendly splash pad
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Gentle hose or sprinkler play (if your dog enjoys it)
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Shady sniffing walks around the garden
JSM Summer Picks:
RSPCA Reminder: "Avoid the midday sun and ensure dogs always have access to cool, shaded areas and fresh water."
⚡️ 6. Signs of Overheating & Safety Checks
Mental stimulation is key—but so is knowing when your dog’s had enough. Always monitor your pet for signs of heat stress, especially during indoor play.
Signs of overheating:
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Excessive panting
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Drooling
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Lethargy or wobbliness
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Vomiting or collapse
If you notice any of these signs, stop the activity, move your dog to a cooler place, and offer water. Contact your vet if symptoms persist.
Helpful Link: Blue Cross – Heatstroke in Dogs
🧥 7. Bonding Without Overdoing It
On hot days, remember that simple acts like brushing your dog, gentle massage, or calmly sitting together with a chew toy can be enough. Enrichment isn’t always about high energy—it’s about engagement and interaction.
Ideas to relax together:
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Soft grooming with a brush
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Natural chew toys
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Calming music for dogs (YouTube or Spotify)
Try: Natural Wooden Chew Toy to satisfy chewing instincts without the calories.
Final Thoughts
Hot weather doesn’t mean your dog’s brain has to go into hibernation. With a little creativity and the right tools, you can keep them entertained, cool, and safe all summer long. Enrichment helps reduce stress, improve obedience, and strengthen your bond—even on the hottest days.
Helpful Resources:
Explore the full JSM Summer Pet Collection for cooling mats, splash pads, interactive toys, and more.
Stay cool, stay safe, and have fun with your furry friend this summer!
