Cold, Flu, and Fido: Fun Ways to Entertain Your Dog When You’re Under the Weather

Cold and flu season can take a toll on everyone, and if you’re a dog owner, it brings an added challenge—what to do with your dog when you’re sick. Dogs, especially high-energy breeds, can be relentless in their need for attention, exercise, and mental stimulation. When you’re not feeling your best, managing an energetic dog can feel overwhelming, especially if your dog gets bored and restless, making it harder for you to recover.

Planning ahead for these situations can make a world of difference. This blog post will walk you through practical tips to ensure your dog stays happy and entertained while you rest and recover. From indoor games to mental stimulation activities and ways to enlist outside help, we’ve got you covered.

Disclaimer: I am not a certified professional; all information provided is based on my personal experience and research. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding your dog, please contact your vet or a certified trainer. This post may include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase from these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchases.

Why You Should Think About a Plan for Your Dog When You’re Sick

One of the worst parts about being sick is trying to handle your dog’s daily needs while battling exhaustion, congestion, or body aches. A bored, energetic dog may start pacing, barking, or demanding your attention, which can stress you out and potentially worsen how you feel.

A plan for how to manage your dog while you’re under the weather ensures that they remain calm and entertained, which in turn helps you rest and recover more effectively. The goal is to provide your dog with activities that keep them occupied and stimulate their mind and body without requiring you to leave the couch.

Simple Ways to Burn Off Your Dog’s Energy Indoors

You may not feel up to taking your dog on long walks or playing high-energy outdoor games when you’re sick, but there are creative ways to help them burn off energy indoors. Here are a few ideas to consider:

The Treat/Kibble Over Legs Game

A fun and simple way to engage your dog is by setting up a small game of having them jump over your legs to get treats or kibble. You can do this sitting down, and it only requires a little space—perfect if you’re stuck on the couch. This game helps your dog burn some physical energy while keeping them mentally focused on the task at hand.

Indoor Fetch

If you’re feeling up to it, you can play a modified game of fetch indoors. Make sure to create some safe obstacles for your dog to navigate around, such as a pillow fort or cushions, to make it more challenging and burn extra energy. Remember to use soft, lightweight toys to avoid breaking anything in your home.

“Find It” Game

This is a fantastic activity for both mental and physical stimulation. Hide treats around the house and encourage your dog to sniff them out. Start with easier hiding spots and progressively make it harder for your dog to find the treats. Dogs love to use their noses, and this game will tire them out without you having to do much physically.

Button Feeder

If you have a treat-dispensing button feeder or similar puzzle toy, this can occupy your dog for a while. These types of toys encourage your dog to push buttons or nudge levers to release treats. It’s a great mental workout and helps satisfy their desire to forage for food, giving you more time to rest.

Mental Stimulation: The Key to Keeping Your Dog Occupied

While physical exercise is essential for dogs, mental stimulation can be just as exhausting for them, especially when physical activity is limited. Here are some ways to mentally stimulate your dog while you’re stuck on the couch:

Let Them Sniff

Dogs love to use their noses, and sniffing can be incredibly mentally stimulating for them. You can encourage sniffing by hiding treats around the house, using food puzzles, or even allowing them to sniff through laundry (as long as they don’t destroy it!). This taps into their natural instincts and keeps them busy without requiring physical exertion on your part.

Use Food Puzzles and Enrichment Toys

Food puzzles and enrichment toys are a fantastic way to keep your dog entertained for extended periods. These toys require your dog to think, strategize, and problem-solve to get their food or treats, which can be tiring for them. Popular options include snuffle mats, where your dog has to search through fabric layers for treats, and puzzle feeders that release kibble slowly.

For more ideas on using enrichment toys during mealtime, check out our post, From Play to Puzzles: Five Mealtime Enrichment Activities We Swear By, where we dive deeper into creative ways to engage your dog and make feeding time fun and stimulating.

Frozen Enrichment: Lick Mats and Toppls

Frozen enrichment is a low-effort way to keep your dog engaged for an extended period. Lick mats and Toppls are popular tools where you can smear food (like peanut butter, yogurt, or canned dog food) and freeze it for a long-lasting treat. These activities calm your dog down and mentally tire them out.

Chews Like Collagen Chews or Bully Sticks

For dogs that love to chew, providing safe, long-lasting chews like collagen sticks or bully sticks can be a great way to keep them occupied. Chewing is a natural stress-reliever for dogs and helps calm them down, making it an excellent option for when you need a break.

Rotate Special Toys for Sick Days

If you have a dog that loves toys, consider setting aside a few “special” toys that they only get to play with on rare occasions—like when you’re sick. Keeping certain toys out of their regular rotation makes them more exciting when they do get access to them. On days when you’re not feeling well, bring out one of these toys to surprise and entertain your dog. This novelty will keep them engaged for longer, providing much-needed mental stimulation without requiring much effort from you.

Ask for Help from Friends or Neighbors

If you’re lucky enough to have trusted people nearby, don’t hesitate to ask them for help. A family member, friend, or neighbor might be willing to take your dog on a walk or play with them for a while. Even a short break can help reduce the pressure on you, giving your dog an energy outlet so they don’t demand as much from you when they return.

If you don’t have anyone available to help, there are plenty of services designed to assist busy or unwell pet owners.

Utilize Dog Walking or Pet Sitting Services

If you’re not feeling well and need more help, consider using local dog-walking services, or platforms like Rover. These services allow you to schedule walks or playtime sessions with experienced dog walkers or sitters. This can be a lifesaver if you’re dealing with a high-energy dog that needs more physical exercise than you can manage during your illness.

The Importance of Providing Outlets for High-Energy Dogs

For active, high-energy dogs, it’s especially important to provide outlets for their energy, even when you’re not feeling well. Without enough stimulation and activity, your dog may become restless, leading to unwanted behaviors like chewing on furniture, barking excessively, or pacing around the house.

By providing a combination of physical and mental stimulation, you can help tire out your dog and keep them calm while you recover. Whether it’s through simple indoor games, puzzle toys, or help from others, making sure your dog is entertained will make your recovery period more peaceful and less stressful for both of you.

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Conclusion

Dealing with a cold or flu is never fun, but having a dog to care for can make it feel even more challenging. However, with the right planning and activities, you can ensure your dog stays entertained and content while you focus on getting better. Whether through indoor games, mental enrichment, or asking for outside help, there are plenty of ways to keep your dog happy, even when you’re feeling under the weather.