I Am So Bored!

Cabin Fever.  While not an actual disease as the name suggests, Cabin Fever is a state of mind. It’s a claustrophobic reaction brought on by an extended stay in a confined space or a remote, isolated area. Although Cabin Fever is more prevalent in winter, it can occur any time of the year.  We can suffer from Cabin Fever and our pets suffer even more.   You see, pets are confined all the time unless we initiate activities.    Confinement isn't just in a crate or carrier, it can be in a pen, run, house or small yard.   It's all the same to our pet.    Same old - Same old.    Nothing new and nothing exciting.    Could make a body go stir crazy.

We leave for work - right now it's dark.   We get home,  it's still dark.   We stop at the gym.   Work of a little stress. Clear the mind.  Makes for a healthy body, mind and spirit.  

Now for our pets.    Let's remember why we got our pet in the first place.    Do you remember?    When boredom sets in, a pet may develop bad behaviors.   They need a way to use energy and if we don't provide them with stimulation and exercise, they will come up with their own ideas.   We come home to find that the dog or cat has been chewing or scratching on our favorite shoes, clothes, furniture legs, wires etc.  Then of course it is the dog or cat that gets yelled at, scolded,  or heaven forbid, hit.  A pet is punished and that isn't fair.   These undesired behaviors can become permanent habits if they are not interrupted quickly. If a pet suddenly develops an undesirable behavior such as house soiling, destructive chewing, or restlessness, it is important to visit your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.  Once any potential health issues are ruled out or treated, it's time for the rubber to meet the road.   

If you cannot afford a block of time, break pet exercise up into small pockets of time.   There is a big difference between a true lack of time and a perceived (made-up) lack of time.    Shorter more frequent periods of exercise can be just as beneficial for a pet as long exercise periods.   Be creative and challenge yourself to find ways to interact with your pet.   Tune in to the good feeling you get when you are exercising or playing with a pet.   A pet can be your work out buddy.    They won't quit on you because of other engagements.   

You can put up with a little discomfort if the weather is too cold, hot, snowy, or rainy.    Get motivated.    We don't let the weather stop us from doing other things we enjoy.   If the weather is really nasty, then think of indoor games.   Why? It’s important to provide mental stimulation as an alternative to physical exercise on lazy or cold days so that a pet does not become anxious, frustrated, or bored. Short indoor training sessions or play breaks will work to break the boredom and help form good bonds between family  and  pet.

Don't know of any indoor games?    Sure you do.    Just think.    The more things you do, the more things you will think of.    Differ the activity.  Polish up old tricks or teach new tricks, such as teaching your pet to differentiate between left and right paw shakes, ‘high fives’ versus shakes, etc. You are only limited by your imagination and your pet’s cooperation. Having fun is the key. Contrary to popular belief, most cats can also be trained to do simple tricks such as sit, roll over, give a paw, etc.  This will provide mind stimulation for your pet and also strengthen the bond between you.    There are training books that gives step-by-step directions for all the basic tricks.  There’s plenty of info online too.

How do we play inside?   This can seem challenging at first .  You don't need  a large space for effective training. With your dog, you can snap on the leash and work with controlled walking from room to room, or up and down stairs. With your cat, you can encourage exercise by tossing her favorite toy up and down the stairs to provide aerobic exercise.
 
Other ideas:
1.  Move it.   Healthy adult dogs need at least 30 minutes of  exercise a day.    Jogging, swimming, playing at the dog park, fast brisk walks all burn energy.   

2.  Play a game of fetch.    Your pet will burn energy and feel more relaxed  when the workout is over.  

3.  Keep a pet occupied when they are home alone.     Leaving a radio on can give your pet the sense they are not totally alone.    Provide them with safe chew toys.    One idea for dogs is to fill a kong with your brand of dry dog food.   Soak the kong in water so the kibbles absorb water.     Then pop in the freezer.    When you get ready to leave home, give your dog the kong.    It will keep him occupied for hours as he works at getting the food out.     Your cat can have a tasty treat in a ball that requires the kitty to work at getting the pieces out.     Perhaps have more than one in your home in different locations.    This will keep your kitty busy.   Just like television and children, don't let these ideas be an overused babysitter.  

4.   Have a couple of sets of toys for a pet.     Have one set out and then change the sets every week or so.    This keeps the toys fresh.  Play with your dog and cat for at least 15 minutes a day to keep their spirits up. It’ll also reduce stress and help you too!

5.  If a pet is starting to follow you from room to room more than usual, turn it into a game of tag. Jog up and down the stairs with them.  Take advantage of their behavior and have them chase you.  Play hide-and-seek.  It keeps your dog moving, and gives mental stimulation as well. Most dogs quickly learn how to play this game. “Tell your dog to stay (or have someone hold him) and then go hide,” suggests certified dog trainer Robin Bennett. “Once you're hidden, call your dog and let him use his nose to find you.”

6.  Give Extra Attention.  One of the simplest things you can do for a dog or cat with Cabin Fever is to spend more time with them. Plenty of grooming, petting, hugging, playtime and just hanging out can help keep the doldrums at bay – for both of you!


7. Cats need exercise and active play too. Keep them fit and stave off Cabin Fever with interactive toys that stimulate their hunting instincts – such as feather wands, kitty “fishing poles” and remote controlled mice. Cats love to climb and scratch, so satisfy both of these natural feline urges by giving them their own cat tree/tower with multiple perches and scratching surfaces. .

Pleasurable Puzzles for cats:  Toss a few treats into a small mouthed plastic bottle and leave it on the floor with the lid off for a great beginner puzzle.

Mouse Trap for cats:  Leave a ping-pong ball in the bathtub and watch as your cat makes it sail around the curves during her hunt for the elusive orb. 

Crafty Cardboard for cats:   Use cardboard boxes as beds, dens, tunnels and mazes.

There is ample evidence that cats who spend their lives entirely indoors live much longer than their outdoor-only counterparts. You must still enrich your kitty's environment.

Even small pets - like a guinea pig need companionship.    Our grandchildren have a guinea pig named Nuet.    Although to some, he may resemble a burrito with four legs, he definitely has a personality.    Neut likes strawberries, apples, oranges, lettuce and just like many children,  isn't  fond of other vegetables.  Neut will squeak and whistle until he gets attention.     Our grandson will lay on his back,  with Neut on his chest, and read to him.    Double bonus.    Reading skills are being improved and Neut gets attention and companionship.    It doesn't get better than that.   

With a little creativity, you can keep pets stimulated and interested, even in a small apartment and on a limited budget.   Now get moving 1!

Resources and References used:       
2012 petswelcome.com, Inc.    
W.R. Shaw, freelance writer.
ASPCA
Helpful Tips and Advice for Caring Pet Owners,  CANIDAE Natural Pet Food Company.
Metzger Animal Hospital