Puzzle toys for bored dogs

Is it boredom, or something else?

Dogs who don't get enough stimulation tend to find their own, and that often shows up as unwanted behavior such as destructive chewing. Some dogs simply aren't getting enough physical and mental exercise.^[2],[1]

Boredom isn't the only explanation, though, and puzzle toys only help with some of the others.

• It only happens when you're out. Dogs with separation anxiety usually chew only, or most intensely, when left alone. A stuffed food toy can help in mild cases, but highly anxious dogs usually won't eat while their people are away.^[1],[3]
• They're hungry. A dog on a calorie-restricted diet may chew and destroy things looking for more food.^[1]
• Something medical is going on. Behavior problems can have medical causes, behavioral causes, or both. A history, physical exam and diagnostic tests are how your vet tells them apart.^[7]
• They avoid the puzzle. Dental pain and neck pain can make a food toy unpleasant to use, so if your dog avoids food toys, ask your vet to check for pain.^[5]

How puzzle toys help

Foraging toys give dogs mental and physical exercise by letting them hunt and search for food. They can reduce boredom and let dogs do natural dog things in a way you're happy with.^[5]

• They slow eating down. Interactive feeders make fast eaters eat more slowly, which may reduce problems like regurgitation and vomiting.^[6]
• They fill the danger zones. Figure out when your dog is most likely to get into trouble and hand over a filled puzzle toy just before. Feeding meals from food puzzles also helps.^[1]
• They come in several styles. Options include rubber toys you stuff, balls and wobblers that drop kibble as they roll, puzzle boards with compartments, snuffle mats, and lick mats.^[6],[5]

Start easy, then make it harder

A puzzle that's too hard is just a frustrating object. When a dog is new to foraging toys, the toy needs to be easy enough to hold their interest.^[5]

• Make the first wins easy. Start with treats close by and easy to find, then hide them once your dog understands the game.^[2]
• Step up gradually. As your dog gets the hang of a puzzle, make it more challenging. If frustration sets in, make it easier again.^[6]
• Freeze it for a longer job. Stuff an appropriately sized rubber food toy with canned food, soaked kibble or another vet-approved filling and freeze it. Frozen low-sodium, dog-safe broth on a lick mat works too.^[8]
• Rotate. Swap in something new or rotate toys every couple of days so none of them gets boring.^[1]

Safety: supervision, size and materials

• Supervise, at least at first. Watch your dog with any new enrichment item, and keep watching with any toy until you know how your dog uses it.^[5],[8]
• Size to your dog and how they chew. A toy shouldn't be small enough to swallow or fit whole in the mouth, but not so big your dog can't comfortably use it.^[9],[8]
• No pieces that break off. Puzzles and treat dispensers are great for engaging a dog's mind, but make sure pieces can't be broken off and that the toy is non-toxic. Avoid toys with additives or coatings that could be harmful if swallowed.^[9]
• Inspect and retire. Even good toys wear out. Check them regularly, and give one or two at a time rather than a basketful so you notice missing pieces.^[9]
• Take it away if they try to eat it. If your dog tries to swallow part of an enrichment item, remove it from their mouth right away.^[2]

Keeping puzzle toys clean

Anything that holds food can hold germs, and those germs can make pets and people sick.^[11]

• Wash feeding toys often. Wash bowls, feeding mats and other feeding items frequently in hot, soapy water.^[10]
• Treat a wet-food toy like a bowl. The CDC advises cleaning bowls after every use for wet food and every day for dry food. We apply the same rule to toys stuffed with wet food or spreads. Other toys: at least monthly.^[11]
• Use the dishwasher when the maker allows it. Dishwasher-safe toys can be cleaned and disinfected in the dishwasher. Some feeders go in the washing machine instead, so check the label.^[11],[6]
• Keep pet germs out of the kitchen. Washing pet items in the kitchen sink can spread germs to your food; a separate tub and sponge is safer. Wash your hands after handling pet food.^[11],[10]
• Don't leave wet food sitting out. Refrigerate leftover wet food at 40°F or below, or throw it away.^[10]