Today, as the possible hurricane approaches the gulf coast, many of us are busy making sure we’re prepared, but it's important to remember that our dogs can also feel anxious during these stressful moments.
Sudden changes in weather, unfamiliar noises, and disrupted routines can all heighten their nerves.
One of my pups will start reacting to a storm miles before it ever reaches us, and that's if it even does. He is REALLY sensitive to the changes in pressure. It always breaks my heart to think at one point he lived outside, on his own in that state of mind.
Luckily, there are some great dog brain games and different enrichment activities you can do at home to provide comfort and mental stimulation. These activities will help engage your dog's mind and calm their anxiety while keeping them safely indoors.
Here are some easy, home-friendly ideas to keep your dog entertained and relaxed during a storm.
1. Enrichment Mats: A Soothing Activity with Focus
A dog enrichment mat (or lick mat) can be a wonderful way to soothe a nervous dog. These mats are designed to allow your dog to lick soft foods like peanut butter, yogurt, broth, or canned pumpkin, which can have a calming effect due to the repetitive motion of licking. This also encourages cognitive enrichment for dogs by keeping their minds occupied, which helps reduce anxiety.
As you prepare for the storm, try spreading a favorite soft treat onto an enrichment mat to keep your dog focused and distracted from the sounds of wind and rain outside. Freezing them can add another layer of self-soothing enrichment.
It’s a simple but effective way to provide mental stimulation and comfort.
Tip: Don't have lick mats? You can use things like ice cube trays or silicone molds. Another GREAT option is your dog's slow feeder bowl.
2. Puzzle Toys and Dog Brain Games
When nervous energy is high, distracting your dog with dog brain games can help channel their focus into something more constructive. Puzzle toys are perfect for this because they challenge your dog’s problem solving abilities and keep them engaged for longer periods.
Whether it’s a treat-dispensing toy or a more complex puzzle where they have to uncover hidden snacks, these games are excellent for calming your dog while exercising their brain.
Tip: Create your own puzzles by hiding treats in small boxes, paper towel rolls, or under blankets, encouraging your dog to sniff and search for them. This brings out their natural instincts and provides a sense of accomplishment when they find their prize.
3. Scent Work: A Calming Mental Challenge
Scent work is another fantastic cognitive enrichment for dogs that can easily be done indoors. Hiding treats around your home and encouraging your dog to find them uses their amazing sense of smell and helps take their focus away from the stress of the storm.
This mental challenge can be incredibly satisfying for dogs, especially those that enjoy using their noses to solve problems.
Tip: Start with easy-to-find treats and gradually increase the difficulty, hiding them in harder-to-reach places as your dog gets the hang of it. This food enrichment activity can be used over and over again.
4. Quiet Time with a Soothing Playlist
Soft music or white noise can work wonders in creating a calming environment for nervous dogs.
If your dog tends to react to loud noises, consider playing soothing music or a white noise machine to help drown out the sounds of the storm. There have even been studies that look at the use of large fans to block out sounds and create slight vibrations.
This, combined with dog brain games or interactive feeders and enrichment mats, can provide your dog with a comforting space to retreat and relax.
Tip: Listen to the music or sounds yourself the first time to ensure that it is free of triggering sounds to your dog. Play music before the storm or stress kicks in and pair it with calming activities.
5. Boundary Training for Calmness
Boundary training can be an excellent tool to promote emotional regulation in nervous dogs.
Teaching your dog to stay in a specific "safe zone," such as a mat or bed, gives them a place to retreat when they feel anxious. Reinforce this with treats and positive reinforcement to help your dog associate their boundary with relaxation.
This is something we will be covering in our October and November boxes!
Tip: If you do not have an elevated mat to use for a boundary, start with a bed that has built-up sides. This helps your pup
really understand the concept of their space.
6. Snuffle Mats for Stress Relief
We LOVE snuffle mats! A snuffle mat is a great way to keep your dog’s brain busy and reduce anxiety. By hiding treats or kibble within the mat's folds, you encourage your dog to use their natural foraging instincts to find food.
This activity offers both physical and mental stimulation, helping to alleviate stress and nervousness.
Tip: You can add all kinds of items to the snuffle mat and even feed their meal on it!
7. Mental Relaxation Through Massage
Physical touch can be incredibly calming for dogs, especially when combined with slow, gentle massages. Focus on areas like their ears, shoulders, and back, using a calm voice to reassure them. This simple activity can help relax your dog’s muscles and reduce their stress levels.
Tip: This can be paired with calming sounds or a loud fan.
8. Stress Relief Through Chewing
For many dogs, chewing is a natural and soothing activity that helps release nervous energy. Providing your dog with a durable chew toy, like a nylon bone or antler, can give them an outlet for their anxiety while keeping them engaged.
Chewing not only calms dogs by helping them focus on a repetitive motion, but it also provides great mental stimulation, making it a great form of soothing dog enrichment.
Frozen toys stuffed with treats or peanut butter can extend playtime and enhance the calming effect, as the cold temperature can also be soothing.
Tip: Always watch your dog with chew items and make sure they have access to fresh water.
Preparing Your Dog for a Calm Hurricane Season
Here in Florida, as the latest hurricane nears, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place to keep your dog mentally and emotionally balanced.
The combination of dog brain games, cognitive enrichment for dogs, and soothing activities like enrichment mats will help your dog manage their nerves and stay calm in stressful situations.
By engaging their minds and providing comforting environments, you can help your dog navigate these storms with less anxiety. The key is starting the activities before the scary events, as much as possible.
For those looking for more ideas, the upcoming October and November Brain Boxes from Canine Brain Games will feature a variety of enrichment games and trainings designed to promote emotional regulation, perfect for times when your dog needs extra support.
I hope this gives you some new ideas or refreshers to some enrichment ideas for your pups.
With four anxious dogs, I know my freezer will be packed with lots of licking treats and a cabinet full of bully sticks and tendons for chewing.
Stay safe, and remember—keeping your dog’s mind busy is one of the best ways to ensure they stay calm and comfortable during stressful weather!