How foraging can help dogs beat boredom during Britain’s record-breaking summer

Britain’s record-breaking summer may be welcomed by sunseekers, but the relentless heat is creating a very different challenge for the nation’s dogs.

With temperatures forecast to reach 35°C in south-east England as the UK faces its fourth heatwave of the year, many responsible owners are cutting walks short or keeping their pets indoors during the hottest parts of the day.

Exercise is the most common cause of heatstroke in dogs and the condition can develop within minutes, according to The Kennel Club.

However, while dogs may need less physical activity during extreme heat, they still require opportunities to use their brains and engage in natural behaviours.

Canine emotional wellbeing expert Andrew Hale says foraging games can provide a safe and satisfying way to combat boredom when usual walks and outdoor adventures are temporarily off the agenda.

He said: “Keeping dogs safe in hot weather must always come first, but staying indoors does not mean they have to spend the entire day with nothing to do.

“Dogs experience much of their world through their noses. Giving them an opportunity to search, sniff and forage can provide meaningful mental stimulation without the physical exertion of a walk in the heat.

“Foraging is not simply about finding food. It allows dogs to make choices, solve a problem and engage in a behaviour which comes naturally to them. That can be tremendously satisfying.”

The current summer has already produced a string of extraordinary weather milestones. By July 15, the UK had recorded more days above 30°C than during the whole of the famous summer of 1976.

Andrew Hale with Molly the dog

It is also the first year on record in which temperatures have reached at least 35°C during May, June and July, while unusually warm nights have made it harder for people and pets to recover from the daytime heat, according to the Met Office.

The disruption can be frustrating for energetic dogs accustomed to long walks, play sessions and regular trips outside. Changes to routine, children being home during the school holidays, visitors, travel and unfamiliar noises can also make summer an unsettling time for some pets.

Andy added: “Boredom is not always expressed in an obvious way. Some dogs may become restless, bark more, follow their guardians around or look for their own entertainment, which might mean chewing or getting into things they normally leave alone.

“Others may appear quiet or withdrawn. The important thing is to consider what emotional need may be sitting behind the behaviour, rather than simply labelling the dog as difficult or naughty.

“A few short, thoughtfully planned enrichment activities spread throughout the day can make a real difference. Foraging can help dogs redirect their energy into something constructive and may encourage them to settle and rest afterwards.”

Owners can create simple searches by hiding a portion of their dog’s normal food in safe places around a cool room, scattering biscuits across a snuffle mat or placing treats inside cardboard boxes and loosely folded towels.

Activities should be matched to the individual dog’s age, health, confidence and ability, with beginners given easy searches to prevent frustration. Dogs should always be supervised and any treats used should be included within their normal daily food allowance.

Andy said: “Enrichment should not feel like an exam. The aim is to make the activity enjoyable and achievable, particularly for a dog trying it for the first time.

“Start simply and allow them to work at their own pace. Avoid pointing out every treat because exploring and discovering the answer independently is part of the benefit.

“It is also important to notice when your dog has had enough. Mental activity can be tiring, so short sessions followed by access to fresh water and a cool, quiet resting place are often ideal.”

One ready-made option is the Pet Remedy Boredom Buster Foraging Kit, which has pockets where owners can conceal their dog’s favourite treats.

Its two different pocket sizes offer varying levels of difficulty for breeds with different head sizes and nose shapes, while three additional pockets can be placed inside the 150cm by 30cm forager to make searches more challenging.

Owners can also apply two or three pumps of the accompanying Pet Remedy calming spray directly to the forager before laying it on the floor for their dog to explore.

The kit costs £35, with 20 per cent off available using the code boredom20 at checkout. Packs containing three extra pockets are sold separately for £12.

Andy added: “We should never feel guilty about replacing a walk when the weather makes exercising unsafe. Choosing not to go out in extreme heat is part of being a responsible guardian.

“What matters is finding safe alternatives which allow dogs to sniff, think, explore and enjoy some control over what they are doing.

“A dog does not need to be physically exhausted to feel fulfilled. Sometimes using their nose and brain for a few minutes is exactly what they need to overcome summer boredom and settle down for a well-earned snooze.”

Find out more at www.petremedy.co.uk