Enrichment

Enrichment and Well-Being

Dogs and cats are very smart animals. Life inside the home, while people work, isn’t always stimulating. Therefore, we encourage people to provide enrichment, as well as human and other pet socialization, as a way to keep animals healthy. Enrichment is basically engaging a dog or cat in activities that allow them to have control over their surroundings. Many studies have shown a link between stress and a lowered immune system. For a pet, being alone can be stressful.

The Maryland SPCA uses enrichment for all the animals awaiting new homes; it has made a tremendous difference in the well being of the animals.

Here are some safe and fun things to provide for your pet while you are away.

Make freezer pops out of water and low-sodium chicken broth. Freeze in a Tupperware bowl. Provide to your dog.
Use Kongs or Buster Cubes. Fill with peanut butter (low sodium) or another safe treat and let the dog figure out how to get it all out.
Think beyond the tennis ball. We provide our larger breeds with basketballs, bowling balls and kick-balls – they last a long time even when up against a very strong jaw.
Take a new paint roller and tie it to the doorknob. Cats love texture and the fluffy rollers serve as a nice place for them to rub their cheeks against.
Who needs fancy catnip toys when you have index cards? Crumbled paper is an excellent chase toy for cats - crinkle it, toss it, and allow them to play.
Grab paper bags at the grocery store. Open them and place them on the floor in your home and your cat will be drawn to them – they love to hide and sleep in them.

We use two products when working with our more sensitive cats and dogs. We spray FeliWay in the cats’ housing. It is a pheromone thought to de-stress them. For our dogs we use Rescue Remedy, which is an herbal supplement. It works in about 50% of dogs in calming them down.

Our cats and dogs also watch TV and listen to classical music. It soothes them!

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