4 Fun Indoor Activities for Your Dog on Hot Summer Days

As the temperatures rise, getting your dog outside for their usual walk or play session can become a challenge. Hot pavement, high humidity, and intense sun exposure can be uncomfortable—and even dangerous—for dogs. But staying indoors doesn’t have to mean boredom.

If you're looking for fun and easy indoor dog activities, we’ve got you covered. These ideas will help you keep your dog busy, mentally sharp, and physically active—all from the comfort of inside your home!

Why It’s Important to Keep Your Dog Mentally and Physically Stimulated

Dogs thrive when they’re engaged—both mentally and physically. Incorporating new forms of indoor play into your routine isn’t just fun; it supports your pup’s health and happiness. Here are a few key benefits of regular stimulation:

• Boosts physical health – Indoor play helps maintain joint health, heart function, coordination, and overall fitness.
• Enhances mental focus – Games and tasks that involve problem-solving help keep your dog’s brain active and sharp.
• Supports social development – Structured play with people (or other pets) builds confidence and improves behavior.
• Strengthens your bond – Shared activities build trust and deepen your connection with your dog.
• Reduces unwanted behaviors – Bored dogs often resort to chewing, digging, or barking. Mental stimulation helps prevent this.
• Eases stress – Interactive play helps your dog burn off nervous energy and stay calm during long indoor days.

Best Indoor Activities for Dogs During Summer

Whether you’re avoiding the heat or just looking for new ways to entertain your dog indoors, these ideas are simple, effective, and pup-approved:

1. Teach Your Dog a New Trick

Use indoor time to sharpen your dog’s skills or introduce new tricks. Start with basics they already know (like “shake”) and level up to “high five” or “spin.”

Keep training sessions short and positive. For added calming and focus, try using CBD Chews as a reward—especially for dogs who get overstimulated easily.

2. Try a Nose Work Game (Like “Find the Treats”)

Scent games are one of the best indoor enrichment activities for dogs. Hide a few healthy dog treats around the house and encourage your pup to sniff them out with a cue like “find the treats!”

Once your dog gets the hang of it, increase the difficulty by hiding them in different rooms or inside soft toys.

3. Stuff a Kong for Long-Lasting Fun

Stuffed Kongs are a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your dog entertained while you work from home or take a break.

Fill a Kong toy with your dog’s favorite snacks, kibble, or even a spoonful of peanut butter. For extra longevity, freeze it overnight. You can also add supplements like an Omega 3 to support your pet’s joint, skin, and coat health while they stay busy.

4. Teach Your Dog a Useful Task

Dogs love having a job! Start by teaching your dog to fetch small household items like slippers or a blanket. With repetition and positive reinforcement, your pup can learn to help with simple tasks—making them feel accomplished and engaged.

This is a great way to build confidence and add purpose to their daily routine, especially for working breeds or high-energy dogs.

Why Indoor Play Matters in the Summer

While summer is a great time to explore outdoors, heatstroke, sunburn, and paw pad burns are real risks for pets. Indoor play helps you avoid the dangers of hot weather while still meeting your dog’s physical and mental needs.

Pro tip: Dogs with thin coats, white fur, or sensitive skin are especially prone to sun exposure. Indoor activity can be a safe alternative to keep them cool and comfortable.

From brain games to frozen treats, there are countless ways to keep your dog active and happy—even on the hottest days. Whether you have a playful puppy or a senior dog, these indoor dog activities help reduce boredom, prevent destructive behaviors, and keep your furry friend feeling their best all summer long.