03/13/2022
Do you have a pet who seems bored? Maybe they have pent up energy that is hard to deal with after a long day at work? Or what about that pet that is constantly licking you or begging for your attention at unwanted times? Your pet may need more enrichment!
What is enrichment when talking about pets? Enrichment is any activity or toy that encourages pets to use their natural instincts and behaviors to keep them mentally and physically active. There are many benefits of using enrichment toys for your pets, including keeping them physically and mentally engaged when you aren't able to give them your attention or are not home, providing new and interesting toys that provide them opportunities to problem solve, and even tire them out (did you know that mental stimulation can be 2 to 3 times more stimulating than physical activity?). Enrichment is a great way to ensure that your pets are happy and healthy and there are many ways to add enrichment to your pet's day to day routine.
Here are some species specific enrichment ideas that your cat or dog might love. Enrichment is species specific as different species have different natural behaviors. What do you think your pet would enjoy?
Dog enrichment: encourages natural behaviors like sniffing, licking, chasing, scavenging, chewing, shaking (think like when your dog has a stuffed toy and shakes his head back and forth)
-Lick mats
-Snuffle balls
-Food puzzles
-Textured toys (crinkley, squeaky, soft, firm, etc.)
Cat enrichment: encourages natural behaviors like scratching, climbing, stalking, chasing, kicking (think like when your cat catches a toy and kicks it with her back feet)
-Climbing towers
-Scratching boards
-Scented toys or plants (catnip, wheat grass, silver vine)
-Food puzzles