Pet Digest

Interactive Toys for Dogs: Do They Really Work? Interactive toys like puzzle mats, lick mats, snuffle mats, and treat-dispensing balls have become extremely popular among dog owners. These toys are marketed as a way to provide mental stimulation, reduce boredom, and even ease anxiety . But do they really work for all pets? And does breed or personality make a difference in how effective they are? How Interactive Toys Stimulate Dogs For many dogs, problem-solving is just as important as physical exercise. Interactive toys encourage your dog to think, sniff, lick, paw, and work for their rewards . This mimics natural behaviors like hunting and foraging, keeping their minds sharp and preventing boredom-related behaviors such as chewing furniture or barking excessively (VCA Hospitals) . Snuffle mats : Tap into your dog’s natural foraging instincts. Lick mats : Promote calmness and slow down fast eaters. You can also check out my post on DIY slow-feeding hacks for scar...

Dogs aren’t just physical creatures—they’re thinkers, sniffers, problem solvers. Without enough mental stimulation, they can become bored, anxious, or even destructive. The good news? You don’t need expensive toys to keep your dog entertained. With just a few household items and a handful of treats or kibble, you can create easy, effective enrichment toys that will keep your pup busy and mentally satisfied. Why Enrichment Matters Enrichment isn’t just about entertainment—it fulfills a dog’s natural instincts to forage, sniff, chew, and solve problems. Especially for high-energy or anxious dogs, mental exercise can be just as important as physical activity. Here are a few simple DIY enrichment ideas you can try today: --- 1. Towel Roll-Up Puzzle What you need: A bath towel Kibble or training treats How to do it: Lay the towel flat, sprinkle treats or kibble along its length, then roll it up like a cinnamon roll. For extra difficulty, tie the towel in a loose knot. Let your d...

Slow It Down: Easy & Cheap Hacks to Stop Your Dog From Scarfing Their Food Fast eating isn’t just gross—it can be dangerous. Fortunately, slowing your dog down at mealtime doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little creativity and a few household items, you can help your dog eat safely and calmly. --- 🛠️ DIY Slow Feeder Ideas These at-home hacks can help your dog work with their food instead of against it: 🥫 1. Soup Can Slow Feeder Place a clean, label-free soup can or upside-down mason jar in the center of your dog’s bowl. This forces your dog to eat around the object, making big gulps impossible. 🧁 2. Muffin Tin Method Divide their meal between the cups of a muffin tin. For extra challenge, add clean rocks or toys to slow things down more. (Ensure nothing is small enough to swallow.) 🍽️ 3. Feed on a Plate or Tray Spread food across a cookie sheet or large plate. Your dog will have to lick and pick up bits, rather than gulping a mouthful. 🧻 4. Rolled Towel Feeding Sprinkle ...