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Like us, dogs need mental enrichment to keep their brains active. You may have heard about using a snuffle mat to give your dog鈥檚 nose a fun workout. A snuffle mat is a pad that鈥檚 covered in pieces of fabric where you can hide treats for your dog to find. Like other puzzle toys, snuffle mats respond to your dog鈥檚 instinct to sniff and forage. Read on to learn about the benefits of snuffle mats for dogs and whether you should purchase one for your pet.
What Are Snuffle Mats, and How Do You Use Them?
The idea behind a is to encourage your dog to use their nose as they 鈥渟nuffle鈥� through fabric to find treats. We know from research and anecdotal experience that dogs have an . In fact, a 2022 study found that areas of the brain responsible for are connected in dogs, suggesting that they rely on scent to figure out where things are.
A snuffle mat has strips of fabric attached to it which are arranged into folds, flaps, cups, and pockets. You can tuck or kibble into these crevices and put your dog鈥檚 foraging skills to the test. Snuffle mats are 鈥済reat for keeping your dog鈥檚 mind entertained and mentally stimulated,鈥� says Dr. Kelly Hood, DVM, in-house veterinary expert at . 鈥淭hink of them as playtime for your dog with a purpose.鈥�
Here are some tips on using a snuffle mat:
- Start by sprinkling a few treats on top of the snuffle mat, so your dog can find them easily
- Have your dog wait while you fill the mat
- Teach them a command to start snuffling like 鈥渇ind it鈥�
- Always supervise your dog while they鈥檙e snuffling
- Pick up the mat after each use, so your dog doesn鈥檛 destroy the mat when the treats are gone
- Separate your dogs if you have more than one pet
- Keep track of how many treats or you鈥檙e dispensing to avoid overfeeding your dog
She recommends monitoring your dog if they have a history of chewing or swallowing objects. Snuffle mats aren鈥檛 a good choice if your dog is an aggressive chewer, treats everything like a chew toy, or isn鈥檛 motivated by treats.
What Are the Benefits of Using Snuffle Mats?
There are several reasons to consider using a snuffle mat. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e a lifesaver for dogs who devour their food in seconds,鈥� Dr. Hood says. Dogs can get sick and throw up if they eat too fast. Snuffle mats work similarly to slow feeder dog bowls that have raised areas. With snuffle mats, it takes more effort to scoop up each piece of food which slows down your dog and helps them digest food better.
As with the sport of AKC Scent Work where a dog has to find a target odor, snuffle mats turn your dog鈥檚 enjoyment of sniffing into a rewarding game. These mats provide a fun distraction, helping to relieve boredom and anxiety. Senior dogs who are at risk of cognitive decline as they get older can particularly benefit from having a puzzle to solve.
Snuffle mats can help keep your dog active when extreme temperatures limit outdoor activities. This is especially helpful for dogs who need a lot of exercise or become restless when they don鈥檛 have a job, like working dogs. Plus, you can use this as a mini-training session, requiring your dog to wait for a specific command to start snuffling.
Which Foods or Treats Are Suitable for Snuffle Mats?
When you鈥檙e filling a snuffle mat, Dr. Hood suggests using treats that are small and dry. She recommends avoiding wet treats or food unless you plan to wash your snuffle mat after each use. If you have wet treats, it鈥檚 better to use another type of puzzle toy called a lick mat.
鈥淭reats should have a strong but pleasant smell to keep your dog excited,鈥� she says. You can use or your dog鈥檚 regular kibble, especially when you鈥檙e using the mat during mealtimes. If your dog is a picky eater, turning mealtime into a game may help stimulate their appetite and inclination to forage for food.
What Design Features Should You Look For?
There is a wide variety of snuffle mats available to provide mental stimulation for your dog. Here are a few design features to consider when purchasing one:
Difficulty Level
Some snuffle mats have one type of texture such as the . Other mats offer more of a challenge for your dog like this which has numerous pockets and different textures. Deciding on the difficulty level depends on your dog鈥檚 size and temperament. A can keep a small dog occupied but may not work as well for a larger dog.
Size
Snuffle mats come in different sizes and shapes. Consider how much space you have on your floor. A larger mat will take longer for your dog to find hidden treats. Look for one that rolls up and can be stored easily.
Alternatively, if you have less room or wish to travel, consider a mat with a portable and compact design. For example, there are or products that combine a . Snuffle balls are a good option for dogs who enjoy chasing after treats, but they can get dirty more quickly.
This has a drawstring, so you can adjust the size of the mat or tie it to a chair to keep it in place. Having a bowl shape works well if you鈥檙e using the mat at mealtimes. If you have a larger or more active dog, a smaller mat may not keep them occupied for long.
Material
Snuffle mats are usually made with soft felt or fleece to be gentle on your dog鈥檚 nose and mouth. Look for a mat that鈥檚 machine washable. It鈥檚 wise to choose a to keep your dog from sliding and falling.
How Do You Clean and Maintain Snuffle Mats?
Dogs tend to drool and slobber a lot when snuffling. The combination of saliva and food particles makes regular cleaning a necessity, so it can help to have more than one mat. Some snuffle mats require special care and attention to keep them in good shape. Make sure to read the manufacturer鈥檚 instructions before laundering the mat.
鈥淯se a pet-friendly detergent and warm water on a gentle cycle machine wash,鈥� Dr. Hood says. 鈥淎ir drying is usually the best option to maintain its quality.鈥� She also recommends using a damp cloth with mild soap for spot-cleaning areas or wiping up messes quickly. Depending on whether you鈥檙e handy with crafting or sewing, you may wish to make your own snuffle mat or purchase one online.