|
Enrichment is important for the pets in your home too. It encourages
an animal's natural behaviors by providing activities that are
lacking in its home environment. Enrichment also encourages activity
and often promotes healthy teeth and gums and muscle development.
Try making these enrichment items in your home.
Cat Toy:
Attach feathers to a piece of string and then attach the string
to a dowel or branch. Secure the dowel to your cats scratch pole
or wave it by your cat. This will encourage your cat to stalk
and pounce on its prey. A simple ribbon or piece of string can
also be used.
Dog Rope Toy:
Take a piece of cotton rope and tie knots in either end of the
rope to make a pull toy. You can tie hard rubber rings into the
rope at either end to make a pull toy or chew toy. Rawhide chips
or tennis balls can also be added to the rope by drilling a hole
in the rawhide or ball and pulling the rope through it. These
toys will keep your pet active for hours, as well as help to maintain
healthy teeth and jaw muscles.
Cat or Dog Feeder Balls:
 Drill
½" holes in a hard plastic children's ball. Fill the
ball with treats. Your pet will smell the treats and push the
toy around until the treats fall out. This toy is good for problem
solving. (If you don't want to drill, you can find Kong toys with
one or more holes at most pet stores.)
Make sure that you supervise your pets when you give them an
enrichment item. Kongs are generally safe to leave your dogs alone
with, but they can often chew up balls and rope.
|