As excited as we are for the change in seasons, so are our pets. Finally, they get to run around in the yard or the park without having to worry about the cold or slipping on ice. Any day now, they’ll be able to park themselves in the backyard and snooze in the warmth of the sun. It’s a perfect setting for all pets, from guinea pigs to large dogs! So how can you make this time of year the best spring for your pets and how can you have the best spring with your pets? If you are bored of the same routine of going on walks or runs with your pets and hope to plan for something more exciting and fun to do with your best pet friend, look no further. Here are a few tips you can use to spice things up with your pet friend(s) this spring:
1. Have a Picnic in a New Spot
Picnics are a common activity that we all do during the spring while taking advantage of the warm sunshine and the fresh new blooms. The liveliness of spring is contagious for all. Most of the time, we prefer going to the nearest park or recreational area that is right around the corner from where we live to indulge in sunny weather and picnic behavior. Therefore, the act itself can become pretty repetitive and eventually get boring. If spring is all about growth and progress, why not change your scenery? Take your picnic lunch, your pets, and head somewhere close to the countryside. Enjoy a day there and allow your pets to explore the nature based on their own instincts. While cats prefer being indoors, dogs love the outdoor sun. Surprisingly, time spent outside could still be beneficial to them both. Case in point, being able to breath fresh outside air might be perfect for your feline friend and running around the land to explore the new scenery might increase your dog’s dopamine levels and keep them healthier and happier, a benefit to them both. Plus, constantly keeping them active and energized reduces their chance of mortality and increases their metabolism and keeps your dogs nice and fit.
2. Pick an Endurance Activity
Humans and animals have various similarities. We are all born very intuitive, however, as humans, we prefer logic over intuition. We are also gifted with a great passion for succeeding. This, among other reasons, is why we bond closely to our pets and why we sometimes sense they relate to us. It’s an incredibly unique feeling and one that lends itself to our shared enjoyment of endurance sports. Who better to experience endurance sports with than your pets? Go for a hike or a slow bike ride. Hiking is usually the best because your pets can exercise their animal instincts unhinged while you guide them.[1] Of course, you will not be speaking the same language, but you will be connecting on a different level, a connection purely based on emotion and understanding. Some might argue that these activities are not for all pets, however, as long as you’re not trying to take a pet snake up a mountain or swim with a leash on your goldfish, then you’re fine. Typical house pets, such as cats and dogs, are ordinarily used to the wild because they are born hunters. Thus, this trip will challenge their senses while being physically and mentally stimulating for them.
3. Go on a Camping Trip
Camping is fun and is an exciting way that we get back to the basics. Although camping has now taken a bit of a modern twist to fit our standards and lifestyle, it’s always best to return to the bare necessities when possible, enjoying your time without the internet and fully embracing nature. A camping trip is always fun when there’s a large group of people or, in our case, a large number of pets. Some might find this intimidating. However, if your pets are well-trained, then you can definitely have tons of fun exploring and having adventures with them. This will also allow your pets to bond with you and your friends, for them to identify their scent and feel comfortable. For animals, sometimes it’s harder to adapt compared to humans, so a group activity allows your pets to bond with you in their presence. Remember for you pets, no one else matters but you.
4. Have a Family Cookout Session
Spring is the perfect time for outdoor grilling. It’s the perfect time to have all your family members together and for a family with a new addition at home (a new pet or a new baby). It’s also a great time to induce the bonding session between all involved. Food brings us together, no matter the species, so spring and a cookout are the perfect way to bring a family closer together. If you have a new baby, allow your pet to be close to him or her and to get a sense of feeling protective. Give your baby the time to touch, feel, and start accepting the baby as its company. Pets usually reduce the stress of a new parent by 20%, as they help keep the baby company and help reduce how much they cry. On the other hand, if you have a new pet that’s joining your family, it will be the perfect time to let the pet bond with everyone in the family, especially if that pet has been adopted. They’re probably much more cautious and afraid of strangers so having a social gathering allows them to retreat when they need to, but also gives them the comfort of being part of the family. Sometimes, just like humans, our pets need the sense of assurance too. To feel at home, to be loved, to have fun, and to create memories. They dream just as we do, so it is our job to ensure they’re having the best dreams. Featured photo credit: Google Images via itsaheartfullife.com
