Like people, pets need physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy, happy, and engaged in their world. Enriching toys provide both these needs and help to stave off boredom that could lead to behavior problems. Most researchers also believe that daily enrichment activities, including play, can help prevent or delay cognitive decline (i.e., dementia) onset in older dogs and cats. 

As pet owners ourselves, the Stack Veterinary Hospital team knows that continuously buying new toys to keep them fresh and interesting for your pet can get pricey. So, we share ideas for fun and engaging enrichment toys you can make with items you already have at home that will keep your four-legged friend occupied and entertained.

#1: Paper towel roll puzzle pet toy

Creating toys from cardboard rolls is a great way to recycle items you likely would throw away. A paper towel or toilet paper roll puzzle feeder requires dogs or cats to work for their food and solve a problem. To create this toy, cut one or more small holes in the sides of the roll, insert food small enough to come through the holes, and close the ends with non-toxic glue. Give the feeder to your pet and watch them bat, kick, and drop the roll to get the goodies. Larger or destructive dogs may simply tear the cardboard, so ensure you watch and supervise them while they play.

#2: Cardboard cat reach feeder or dog nested puzzle

Cardboard boxes are a multipurpose item and can create several fun toys for pets of all sizes. For a cat, cut a few circular holes in the top of a shallow box and insert paper towel or toilet paper rolls all the way through to rest on the bottom. Close the box ends and place treats in the rolls for your cat to go fishing. 

You can create a similar, but a little harder, puzzle for a dog by placing a high-value, smelly treat inside a small box, and nesting that box inside one or two others. Watch your dog work for the reward in the center box.

#3: Cardboard cat house

Yet another use for your cardboard boxes is creating a cat house, cat maze, or cat jungle gym. Use sturdy boxes, secured to support your cat’s weight, and cut holes that they can jump in and out, and survey their kingdom from atop their tower.

#4: Dog snuffle mat

A snuffle mat takes a bit more work, but once finished, your dog will enjoy hours of daily fun. Using a rubber drainage mat as the base, tie a long fleece strip to each hole until you have a fleece forest where you can hide treats and goodies. Your dog will use their nose to “snuffle” through the mat and find the treats.

#5: Dog muffin tin game

Hide treats in each section, or only a few sections, of a muffin tin and cover the tops with tennis balls. Your dog will have to pick up each ball to find the treats, using their nose to determine the baited or empty sections.

#6: Find scent games for dogs

A dog’s brain is largely devoted to detecting and processing scents, so use this superpower to keep them entertained. Send your dog on a scavenger hunt to sniff out smelly treats you place in empty boxes or old food containers. You can bait some containers and leave others empty to make the game more difficult for your pet, who must discern the difference.

Tips for safe homemade pet toy fun

Always ensure you closely monitor pets when they are playing with homemade toys to ensure they do not swallow any pieces. Throw the toys away or recycle them once they are notably damaged, and dispose of wet cardboard toys to avoid excess bacterial growth. You can create many other games with items around your home that will keep your feline or canine friend excited.

You don’t have to break the bank to provide your pet with their basic toy needs and keep them happily occupied. Reach out to the Stack Veterinary Hospital team for more tips and advice to keep your pet mentally and physically healthy throughout all life stages, or schedule your pet’s next wellness and preventive care visit.