How can I enrich my pet’s daily life?

Mental and physical stimulation play a crucial role in keeping our pets happy, whether they are dogs, cats, birds or small animals. Here are several ideas to stimulate your companion and enrich his daily life.

Interactive Feeding Systems

• Interactive toys and dispensers : Great for mental stimulation, these toys require your pet to figure out how to release the food. They stimulate problem-solving skills, entertain your pet, and even allow you to control the speed at which the food is eaten. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes (balls, bowls, puzzles, etc.). Take your pick!
• Digging Mat : Your pet has to use their nose to search for food hidden between the pieces of fabric, which is a great way to use their sense of smell.
• Freeze food: Choose a Kong-type toy to stuff with soft food (cane, banana, chicken, etc.), kibble, dried liver, then freeze it. When you want to keep your dog busy, give him the frozen Kong, it will keep him busy for hours!

Toys +++

• Feather wands or motorized toys: Many cats love these toys. Your cat may prefer some over others. It’s a good idea to find out what might interest him. Feather wands are a classic, but you have to imitate the movements that real prey would make!
• Sound Toys: Dogs often enjoy toys that make noise. These toys are not only fun, but also encourage your dog to use his jaw muscles and interact with the toy.
• Interactive Ball Launchers: While it’s best if you throw the ball to your dog, these ball launchers are great for active dogs. Especially for those times when you have less time to spend with your companion.
• Chew Toys: It can’t be said enough, dogs need to chew, it’s part of their nature. So give your dog some solid toys, bones or other leather toys that can keep him busy and satisfy this need.
• Rotate toy sets: Rotate toys, for example every 2 weeks, so your pet doesn’t get bored playing with the same ones over and over again. Introducing new toys or reintroducing old ones can pique their curiosity.

Other ideas to stimulate your pet

• Hide and Seek: Play hide and seek with your pet, whether it’s hiding their favorite toy or asking them to find you. This game appeals to their hunting instincts.
• DIY Treat Dispensers : Get creative and make your own treat dispensers using household items like cardboard boxes or empty plastic bottles. Your pet will have to figure out how to access the treats inside.
• Sensory gardens: If you have an outdoor space, create a sensory garden for your pet. Plant pet-safe herbs and flowers that they can smell and explore.
• Scent detection: along the same lines, don’t hesitate to hide his food in your house or in the grass of your yard. For the most resourceful dogs, you can even bury them!
• Learning tricks: sit, give paw, play dead, roll over, spin around leg, etc. You can find many tutorials on Youtube.
• Dog sports : many sports specifically designed for dogs are accessible and can really benefit them (canicross, bootcamp, freesbee, freestyle, herding, etc.)

So all of these tools are valuable for keeping your pet’s mind and body active. Don’t be afraid to overdo it! Regularly involving your pet in these activities not only prevents boredom, but also strengthens your bond and improves their overall well-being.

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