When August arrives in the valley, the famous heat can make even a short stroll outside risky for pets. With temperatures easily soaring well above 100°F, local pet owners face a unique challenge: How to keep dogs and cats active, healthy, and happy without braving the scorching sun. But that doesn’t mean our four-legged friends have to be bored or inactive.
There are plenty of innovative ways to turn your home into a pet paradise—and no one knows this better than Yolanda S. Bennett, owner of Yolanda Bennett’s Pet Sitting Services and Boarding (thelasvegaspetsitter.com), a trusted local expert in pet care.
"Las Vegas summers are no joke,” says Yolanda S. Bennett, owner of Yolanda Bennett’s Pet Sitting Services and Boarding, also known as The Las Vegas Pet Sitter. “When it’s too hot for a walk, it’s time to get creative indoors.”
From DIY enrichment toys to frozen treats and pet-friendly streaming, here are expert-approved ways to keep your pets mentally and physically engaged—all from the comfort of your air-conditioned home.
Brain Games and Interactive Indoor Fun
Bennett recommends short, stimulating activities throughout the day to fight boredom and promote mental health.
- Puzzle Toys & Treat Dispensers: “Toys like snuffle mats, Kongs, or puzzle feeders give your pet a job to do,” says Yolanda. “They tap into natural instincts like foraging and problem-solving.”
- Hide and Seek: Hide treats or toys around the house and let your pet sniff them out.
- Indoor Agility: Set up a mini obstacle course using chairs, blankets, or broomsticks to encourage movement and fun.
Cats also benefit from stimulation like laser toys, feather wands, and even cardboard boxes for pouncing and play.
DIY Enrichment You Can Make at Home
No fancy shopping trips needed—some of the best pet enrichment can be made with items you already have.
Yolanda’s DIY Favorites:
- Towel Roll Toys: Roll kibble in a towel and knot the ends to create a simple puzzle.
- Cardboard Box Mazes: Connect boxes with holes to create a tunnel or maze for small pets.
- Sock Puzzle: Place treats in a sock and knot it—your pet will love the challenge.
- Frozen Broth Treats: Freeze low-sodium broth with small treats for a cooling snack.
Safe Indoor Socialization
Even in summer, pets need social interaction. Yolanda recommends supervised, calm environments to reduce stress.
“Supervised playdates with calm, vaccinated pets can help relieve loneliness and burn energy,” she says.
Socialization Tips:
- Start with scent swapping before in-person meetings.
- Supervise play to prevent overstimulation.
- Provide a quiet retreat zone for breaks.
- Try indoor group play at local pet-sitting facilities like Yolanda’s, where small groups ensure personalized care in air-conditioned comfort.
Cool Treats and Hydration Tips
Hydration is just as important indoors as it is outside.
- Fresh Water: Always offer clean, cool water—add ice cubes to keep it chilled longer.
- Frozen Snacks: Treats like blueberries, seedless watermelon, or frozen peanut butter work well in moderation.
- Moisture-Rich Foods: Add broth to dry food or offer wet food to boost hydration.
- Portion Control: Avoid overfeeding, which can lead to discomfort in the heat.
Tech for Pet Entertainment
Busy day? Let tech lend a paw.
- Pet Streaming: YouTube has calming music and visuals made just for animals.
- Interactive Apps: Let cats chase digital mice or try treat-timer games for dogs.
- Online Training: Use short virtual lessons to teach new tricks or reinforce commands.
“Training doesn’t have to be long,” Yolanda says. “Five to 10 minutes a day keeps pets sharp and engaged.”
Whether you’re a dog parent or a cat lover, summer doesn’t have to mean restless pets or overheated walks. With a little creativity, a few household items, and expert tips from locals like Yolanda Bennett, your pets can stay cool, happy, and entertained indoors all summer long.
Stay safe. Stay inside. Let the fun begin.
“Beat the heat: Turn your home into a pet paradise with creative games, cool treats, and indoor adventures.”