19 Ryde Road, Pymble, NSW 2073
Foraging For Fun
By Helen Burns | Dated May 31, 2021
Foraging is an innate behaviour to all animals and is a great way to provide our pets with enrichment to look after their mental well being (and hopefully stop them from creating their own fun at our expense!) Here are some ideas that we have compiled for you.
DOGS:
Puzzle mat
Snuffle mat (in the video below)
Hanging ball
Reward based balls and cubes
Wobbler toys
Remember that these toys can be used to feed meals rather than being filled with treats.
Toy rotation is important to keep your pet engaged with their toys.
Snuffle mat fun!
gordonvet.com.au/…ds/2021/05/IMG_1111.mov
CATS:
Food can be smeared on a silicone mat or placed on a paper/plastic plate that slides across tiled/wooden floor. Because cats lick their food, this can keep them entertained.
Scatter dry food, hiding it behind plants, on shelves or on the scratching post. Encourage hide and seek. Let them see what you are doing the frist time to make it easier.
Place toilet paper rolls vertically in a single layer in a small box and place food in the bottom of the toilet roll cylinders. Let your cat reach the food by sticking their paw down the cylinder.
Smaller dog puzzle feeders can be fun for cats too
Joey enjoying his treat from a silicon mat
BIRDS:
With birds we particularly need to start slowly. With a new toy/item, try keeping it outside the cage but within sight at first so that your bird can become accustomed to it. Alternatively, use items that your bird is already familiar with.
Scatter or hide food in toilet roll tubes, small cardboard boxes, scrunched up paper, wood with holes drilled in it, between the scales of a pine cone. Initially let them see you hiding the food.
Puzzle feeders can be used
Foraging trees / perches
Written by Helen Burns
Helen graduated from Sydney Uni in 1997 with First Class Honours and worked in a practice on the Northern Beaches for 16 years. Helen joined the Gordon Vet team early in 2014 and our clients have really enjoyed getting to know her. She loves being a vet and takes a keen interest in all of her patients. Her gentle, friendly nature helps pets to feel relaxed when they visit the vet. Helen lives locally and has 3 children. At least one of her children seems destined to be a vet! When not ferrying her children around, Helen cares for her menagerie of pets. These include Chloe the dog, Obi and Leia the cats, Little Cocky the galah and Rosie the very tame eclectus parrot who all happily coexist at her house. In her spare time, Helen likes to be active outdoors, running, kayaking, camping or playing any manner of sport with her children.
