Dogs love to sniff and explore the world around them. It’s super cute to look at them figuring stuff out! It can be great to encourage this behaviour as it helps with their doggy senses. However, sniffing and foraging can cause some issues if they’re pawing at your garden or at your carpets inside. This is where snuffle mats for dogs come in. Read on to find out how they might benefit your dog!
What is a snuffle mat?
A snuffle mat is designed to encourage dogs to sniff and forage and to really use that doggy sense of smell. Most dogs love to use snuffle mats because it lets them use their noses to hunt for food and encourage their natural instincts.
How do dogs snuffle mats work?
Snuffle mats for dogs are usually made up of fleece strips attached to a plastic base with holes in it. This allows for spaces where dog treats can be easily hidden. As they’re hidden, they encourage the dog to really use their noses to ‘hunt’ and forage for the treats.
Are snuffle mats good for dogs?
Snuffle mats for dogs are considered to be good for dogs. They encourage healthy dog behaviour and encourage their natural canine instincts, all within a safe and controlled environment. There are a few ways they benefit dogs, so read on for more information.
What are the benefits of snuffle mats for dogs?
Snuffle mats for dogs are the perfect way to provide physical and mental enrichment. They’re perfect for dogs of all ages! They help to slow down fast eaters, encourage them to use their sense of smell, reduce anxiety and burn energy.
We’ve gone into more detail on their benefits below – take a look!
Aids their sense of smell
Your dog’s sense of smell is highly important because it’s one of the main ways that they discover the world! With a snuffle mat, the treats are hidden so it encourages your dog to use their sense of smell to find out where the treats are.Not only does this help them with their sense of smell, it’s super fun for your dog too!
Helps reduce anxiety
Dogs need a lot of mental and physical stimulation, or they can become restless or even develop problem behaviours. As we mentioned before, their natural foraging instincts help them find the treats which is really fun for them. Because this is so stimulating, it can eliminate boredom and reduce dog anxiety.
Burns energy
Because snuffle mats are so stimulating, your dog can burn energy as they eat and play. Sniffing and foraging can produce happy hormones, allowing your dog to focus.
Slows down eating to avoid stomach pain and bloating
Some of our dogs are fast eaters, which can cause issues like regurgitation, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain and bloating. Because snuffle mats for dogs increase the length of time it takes them to eat, it can reduce these risks.
Are there any risks with snuffle mats for dogs?
Currently, there aren’t necessarily any risks associated with snuffle mats for dogs. However, there are some things you should just keep an eye on.
- Like with any dog toy, they should be used in moderation. Especially when treats are involved, you should keep a track of how much they eat, because it is important to not overfeed them.
- Knowing when your dog is overstimulated and might need a break from the snuffle mat is imperative.
- Make sure you supervise your pooch. There is a risk of choking, like with any dog toys, so keep an eye on your dog whilst they use the snuffle mat.
How do I use a snuffle mat for the first time?
Snuffle mats for dogs are simple to use but it might take some getting used to. Put three to five delicious dog treats on top of the snuffle mat and loosely in the fleece.
Supervise your dog and watch whilst they sniff out the treats. At first, your dog might lift or pull up the mat whilst looking for the treats. In this case, ask them to ‘sit’ or ‘leave it’.
How often should you wash a snuffle mat for dogs?
Your snuffle mat is bound to get a bit slobbery whilst your pooch is searching for those treats. They might also start to smell of dog treats! To keep it hygienic and clean for your dog, wash it once every two weeks, or more often if necessary.