As you all know, I’m an animal lover. I have 2 dogs and 3 cats, and when I come to work every day, they are at home waiting for me. I would love to keep them entertained while I’m away, and I think these homemade pet toys will do just that! Store-bought toys are good, but can get expensive quickly and let’s face it…dog toys and cat toys end up getting destroyed during play time anyway! So I say, save the moolah and make some DIY toys! Why buy when you can DIY?
Pets need stimulation, so these toys are designed with that in mind. Having dogs and cats work for their treat (or toy) creates physical and mental challenges for your four-legged friends. These can work like puzzles to stimulate their minds, and keep them engaged for hours.
Tennis Ball Treats for Dogs
You Will Need:
- Tennis ball
- Scissors or craft knife
- Small dog treats
How-To:
- Grab a tennis ball and make a cut with your craft knife in one side of the ball.
- Push together opposite sites to create a hole.
- Add small (but fragrant) dog treats inside.
- Throw to your pup for some puzzling treat time!
Tips
- These are great treats for retrievers. You can throw the ball and they will retrieve it, and even after they’ve figured out the treat, they’ll continue to play with the ball.
- If you don’t have a retriever, these toys will serve as a puzzle to make the dog figure out how to get the treat out.
Puzzle Box for Cats
You Will Need:
- Plastic food container or Fed Ex box
- Craft knife
- Sand paper
- Cat toys and treats
- OPTIONAL: Paint
How-To:
- Cut holes in the top of the structure with your craft knife. You can use something you have around the house as the guide for the holes (like a small glass, or champagne flute).
- Put kitty treats and balls inside.
- Let your kitty figure out how to get them out!
Tips
- Make the holes slightly bigger than the toy or ball. That way, the cats and use their paws to bring the treat out of the hole.
- Add non-slip grip circles to the bottom of the structure to stop it from sliding around on a tile or wood floor.
PUP-Sicles
You Will Need:
- Plastic food container – your choice in size
- dog treats
- freezer
How-To:
- Place as many treats as you would like to give your K9 friend into the plastic container.
- Fill with water and place in the freezer to set.
- Remover from freezer and let your pups lick the ice-cube down to the treat or until their puppy hearts are content! Perfect for a hot summers day.
Have you got a great Pet DIY? Share with us in the comments below and remember we want to see your DIY’s on Instagram and Twitter so make sure you follow & tag @PaigeHemmis
If you missed the episode check it out by heading over to Home & Family where you can watch how-to step by step!
XOXO,
Paige