All Pet Parents can relate to one time or another having a pet act out due to boredom. This can look like chewing on things they aren't supposed to (like your brand new tennis shoes, your shiny & polished table leg, or your couch cushions!), or being extra vocal (barking or whining, like they're trying to tell you something). Or maybe your pet is on the opposite end of the spectrum and is acting more isolated and withdrawn. Now if there are no clinical signs of your pet being sick and acting these ways, your pet may just be BORED.
Yep. Our pets can feel bored just like us. With not enough mental stimulation (daily) your pet can feel desperate for attention, act out, and even seem depressed and withdrawn, depending on how your pet shows their emotional state and for how long they have been yearning for some FUN and MENTAL STIMULATION.
I've compiled some of my Go-To products to provide mental stimulation, reduce boredom, and increase your pet's happiness and well-being below. I also have some tips you can do daily that don't even require $$$ at all, just a little extra TLC.
My Go-To Products for Mental Stimulation
#1 SNUFFLE MATS:
These are great because they encourage rooting and digging behaviors, which are instinctual behaviors for our dogs.
You can hide yummy treats and then let them get to work and fun!
(I like Vital Essential Nibs because they are the perfect size and dogs LOVE them!)
Here is a more traditional option of a snuffle mat or there are more interesting ones (like THIS or THIS) with different shapes and sizes to make it fun for your pet to search, root, and dig. And this one has an attached squeaky squirrel, which I will most definitely be ordering for my dog, Archie ASAP lol.
#2 BRAIN GAMES:
The sky is the limit with these. There are a multitude of options available out there. I have several for my dog that I bring out about once a week - or more if he seems extra bored.
Here are several that I use as well as ones that just look super fun that I would try with my dog:
click on the # below or on the picture to check 'em out!
One thing I really like about many of these brands is that they come in different difficulty levels, so you can start with an easier one and progressively get more difficult as your pet learns them.
I also want to point out that whether your dog takes 2 minutes or 20 minutes to do these that it is still valuable - they are thinking and using their brains to solve these puzzles. It can still be enjoyable even if they get through it quicker than you'd like. So even if you teach your pet the puzzle and they have it down pat, you can still bring it out and let them solve the puzzle once a week or so.
We play board games once we know how to play, so why can't our dogs play their games once they understand them as well?
This classic Kong toy is great for when you have to leave your pet in a crate or right before you walk out the door if they have separation anxiety. My favorite thing to recommend with these is to put some 100% canned pumpkin, a little 100% peanut butter (containing no xylitol or added sugars!), and break up some treats in there and store in the freezer overnight. Then when you pull it out of the freezer and give it to your dog it will take them longer to get the stuff out and works their brain muscles a little more. You can even purchase a high quality canned dog food from your favorite pet boutique and freeze it in there. Your dog will go crazy for his new toy & treat!
It also comes in a variety of sizes perfect for whatever sized pup you have!
West Paw is one of my favorite brands because they are durable, use recyclable material, & are non-toxic and made in the USA.
They have a wide selection that I recommend checking out. This one here is ideal for sticking a bully stick
through or stuffing treats inside. It makes your pet work a little more for the chew as well. You can also stuff it similarly to my suggestion for the Kong toy that I mentioned above.
Another option are LickiMats which come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes as well. These can be used in a variety of ways to give treats, slow down feedings, and help with boredom. I've also seen pet parents that have put food (raw or freeze dried), canned foods, & peanut butter, (the options are endless) on these and freeze them as well to prolong the fun! They have options for our kitty friends too!
d
OTHER TIPS & TRICKS
Here are some other options that don't require much and you may even be able to find around the house to start today!
Grab some empty boxes you have lying around, cut a few holes in them (shoeboxes also work great) and hide them around the house with some of your dog's favorite snacks. She can sniff out the treats and then figure out how to flip the box to grab the snacks.
One of my favorite "lazy" ways to entertain my dog is to first put him outside in the yard, then topple over his toy basket and hide his favorite treats all throughout - making sure they are buried in there. Then I let him inside and he sniffs them out and digs around through all of the toys for them.
Teach your pet a new trick - you can simply go on YouTube or google how to teach a specific trick. Grab some yummy treats for encouragement and start working on the trick. It's also an amazing bonding experience for you two!
If you have a cat, try hiding their treats on their cat tower, and in other places that they can use their hunting instinct to search around.
Go for a walk in the neighborhood (or even the backyard) and allow time for sniffing -- sniffing and using that natural instinct is very beneficial for mental stimulation. So, take a leisure walk and don't worry about getting all the steps in, enjoy the fresh air and let your dog sniff to his heart's content.
Set up a pup playdate with a friend or neighbor. Let the pups wrestle and chase each other. It helps to get their energy out while also allowing for healthy socialization and playtime.
Play a game of tug-of-war, fetch, or other one-on-one game time you can do.
THANKS FOR READING!
Share what you are doing with your pet on our Facebook & Instagram pages, we LOVE to get inspired by other Pet Parents!
Check out THE PET PARENT CLUBHOUSE for Mini Courses & Guides &
THE PET PARENT BLOG for more inspiration!
DISCLAIMER:
The information offered by The Balanced Companion is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace regular veterinary care. I strongly encourage you to seek the professional advice of a holistic veterinarian that supports your efforts to incorporate species appropriate nutrition and holistic lifestyle choices into your pet’s life. To locate a holistic integrative vet, please visit www.ahvma.org or ask me for a referral.
This blog post contains affiliate links for purchases of products on Amazon that I may receive commission for. Thank you for your support.
Comments