Enrichment activities for your pet can not only keep them entertained, but safe, too. Frigid temps, long dark nights, snow and ice – winter naturally invites us and our pets to stay warm and snug inside our homes.

But more time indoors can leave our furry family members bored, anxious and sometimes destructive as they search to find ways – sometimes dangerous ones - to entertain themselves.

What is pet enrichment?

Enrichment is not distraction. It includes mentally and physically stimulating activities that allow pets to express natural behaviors such as smelling, playing, digging, running, exploring, and socializing in safe and healthy ways for a balanced, thriving existence. Consider the difference we experience when we do busy work or mundane tasks vs. activities that tap into our natural talents and are meaningful and truly engage us.

Pet boredom and destructive behavior

So, why do pets need enrichment? Pent up energy that isn’t released in a constructive way will inevitably be released in a destructive way. This can include chewing or ingesting items that are inappropriate or harmful, hyperactivity, excessive barking, whining, self-licking or chewing, anxiety or disrupted sleeping and eating patterns.

Cats benefit from playing with toys that have moving parts and other enrichment activities. Read on to see how to keep your pet from getting bored, especially in colder months.

Benefits of pet enrichment

While we train our pets to adapt to our world, enrichment activities satisfy the innate needs our pets have as part of their world, resulting in the following benefits:

·  Prevents boredom

·  Relieves stress

·  Improves bonding

·  Enhanced physical health

·  Boosts cognition and mental acuity

·  Builds confidence

·  Helps socialize puppies

·  Improves overall health and well-being

Pet enrichment is easier than you think

Enrichment activities for your pet don’t require expensive props, huge time investments or complex undertakings. Knowing your pet, understanding their needs and limitations and connecting with them is the foundation for any successful enrichment activity.

Simple steps like playing hide and seek for 10 minutes a day or introducing a new toy once a week can have a profound, positive impact on your pet. Here are some helpful ideas to get you started.

Enrichment activities for dogs and other pets

Puzzle Feeders & Snuffle Mats

Make mealtime an enrichment activity with puzzle feeders and snuffle mats. Snuffle mats tap into your dog’s scent work while puzzle feeders engage your pup’s mind to solve small challenges. Bonus: they’re both great for slowing down fast eaters. Make sure you choose a size appropriate for your dog and supervise first-timers to prevent frustration and a negative association.

Supervised Toy Play

Toys that squeak, crunch, stretch or bounce can capture your dog’s attention in countless ways. Choose well-made toys that don’t have small parts that can detach, strings that can be swallowed, or made of materials that can shred easily. Seek out rugged toy options for tough chewers. Play games like fetch, hide and seek and tug with toys and rotate them weekly to keep your pup intrigued.

Hide and Seek Treats

Hide bits of treats or kibble in safe spots to encourage your dog’s problem-solving and scent work skills. Start off with places where your pup can easily find the treats, then over time increase the difficulty to boost your pet’s confidence and satisfy their natural foraging instincts.

Playtime for dogs benefits their overall health. Read our enrichment activities that your dog will enjoy—and you will too!

Dog enrichment activities by breed

Different breeds, different needs. Prey drives, energy levels, retrieving instincts and other inherent traits vary by dog and by breed. Here are some ideas for enrichment based on breed traits:

• High-Energy Working Breeds: Benefit from more frequent and varied enrichment activities. These dogs need a lot of physical and mental exercise, so games that include scent work, agility, and physical exertion are good choices.

• Hounds: Hounds are scent-oriented, so hiding treats around the house, creating a scent trail with treats or using a snuffle mat are all fun options to try. Include a good game of hide and seek, while you’re at it!

• Terriers: Known for their intense prey and chase drive, along with their badger-like digging abilities. Tap into those prey instincts with squeaky toys, games of fetch, flirt poles and treat-dispensing toys and puzzles. Keep them from getting overly obsessed with any one toy or activity.

Satisfy their digging instincts by tucking some treats in the snow when you’re outside with them. In warmer months, designate an outdoor area where your dog can dig. For a less messy solution, consider a sandbox for excavating activities.

• Herding Breeds: Herding breeds enjoy stalking and controlling activities. Agility training, herding balls, learning tricks like circling or dancing around you can be great fun for your dog.

• Retrievers: Retrievers love to chase and carry objects. Give them a job carrying things for you, and keep them engaged with games of fetch, go-find-it, and even bathtub games if they’re drawn to water (and you don’t mind mopping up the bathroom afterwards!).

Age-appropriate tips for dog enrichment

Age can also impact which activities your dog might enjoy:

• While puppies are veritable balls of energy, check with your vet before you engage them in intense physical activities. High impact play before their bones, muscles and joints develop properly can lead to problems later on, especially for larger breeds.

• Young adolescent dogs can easily lose focus, so switch activities up instead of staying with one thing for an extended period of time. 

• Older dogs may have compromised hearing or vision, or physical limitations due to arthritis or other health issues. Gentle activities like car rides, if they enjoy them, or sitting in a park or a new place and just observing nature can be enjoyable.

• Studies have also shown that classical music can ease anxiety in dogs of any age. Not a fan of classical? Try Reggae, which ranks as the second most calming music genre for dogs. 

  

  Cat enrichment activities don't have to be costly or take too much time. Read on for simple ways to keep your cat active and engaged.

Cats need enrichment activities, too!

Cat owners know just how creative (and mischievous) their resident felines can be when left to their own devices to entertain themselves. Try these activities to keep kitty safely engaged:

• Cats are vertically oriented creatures and are happy when they can climb on something to feel safe as they observe the world around them from above.

• Play hide and seek with your cat by placing treats on multi-level cat trees, sturdy shelves or window perches to satisfy their hunting instinct and love for climbing.

• Window perches are like cat-TV, where your cat can keep an eye on what’s going on in the neighborhood, bird watch, or watch the snow fall.

• Laser pointers are fun and stimulating for your cat, encouraging chasing, climbing, and exploration.

• By encouraging your cat to climb on safely designated spaces, you can help keep them away from off-limit areas.

Pet playtime safety tips

A few final safety tips when planning enrichment activities with your pet. Keep these general safety tips in mind when engaging your pet in enrichment activities:

• Always supervise your pet when introducing a new toy or game to see how they’re interacting with it.

• Make sure your play zone is also a safe zone, free from hazards like wires, heaters, fireplaces, electronic equipment or breakable items.

• Safely secure hazardous items like toxic plants, electrical cords, cleaning products, prescriptions, etc. away from your pet and the play area.

• Rotating toys not only maintains their novelty, but also helps prevent overstimulation and hyper-fixation (we see you, terriers!).

VEG is open 24/7 for pet emergencies

It's all fun and games until... It seems that no matter how carefully you plan your pet’s enrichment, accidents can happen. If they do, remember that VEG ER is here to care for your pet (and you!) 24/7, including holidays.