Boy is it raining and pouring here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest? While we may enjoy sitting by our fireplace with a hot cup and blankets, our dogs are getting restless.
To prevent destructive or problematic behavior due to canine cabin fever, check out our top 3 rainy day activities for Fido.
1. Indoor Pet Parks
Stay dry, clean, and keep your pups (and you) sane with awesome indoor play options. Our list of spaces cater to every furry and human personality – from introverted to social – no one is left out!
Dogwood Play Park
Visit Dogwood Play Park in Seattle for a win-win experience. It is the only location in Seattle that combines a low-key bar with an indoor dog park. Dogs are free to play, socialize, and burn energy as their human companions sip on their favorite drink. But do note that this location is 21+.
If you’d prefer an indoor option for the whole family, then visit one of Seattle’s two other indoor dog parks.
House of Ruff
House of Ruff offers a fun and diverse space. There is a main play area where people of all ages can exercise and socialize their dogs and have some good old ruff fun! If you’re itching for a cold beer, cider, or a glass of wine, they also provide a 21+ lounge for pet parents.
House of Ruff requires a meet & greet before you can bring your pet here, but upon passing the test, Fido will immediately be allowed in. Learn more here!
K9 Fun Zone
For the introverted canine who prefers human companionship, K9 House of Fun offers a space by reservation. This location is unique because it offers you full access to their space without having to manage your dog’s behavior around other pups. Your furry friend will feel like a king in his own castle.
2. Arm your Home with Activities
Reinforce your home with time-consuming pet activities as if a canine purge is coming for you. On those torrential rainstorms, clear out hallways or large spaces for indoor fetch. Keep launching those balls for at least 30 minutes for an exhausted pooch.
If your pooch prefers interactive play, fret not! We have solutions. Get your pups riled up to run laps up and down stairs if you have them. Or, grab a rope toy and engage him in tug-of-war until you’re both wiped out. For senior or food-motivated pets, load up a Kong with peanut butter (make sure it’s not sweetened with xylitol!) and watch them exercise their jaws into exhaustion.
3. Get wet, and then dry again.
Can’t stay away from gorgeous Washingtonian nature? Then go ahead and take your pooch out on rainy days. You can keep them partially dry by purchasing a doggy raincoat such as this one from PETBABA.
Or if your dog can handle the damp, then go let him run wild and free in the rain. Just be sure to dry Fido off properly once you return home. Pay special attention to drying the inside of floppy ears. And always spread those adorable paws to check for lodged in debris and mud.
For the wet dog that comes home reeking of… well… wet dog. Take a dryer sheet, lightly rub it on their coat, and towel dry them. But remember this is a temporary solution! Make sure to thoroughly bathe them and remove knotted hair after two rainy day outings. This keeps your dog feeling fresh and prevents ear and skin yeast infections.
