Does My Pet Need Enrichment? How to Keep Dogs & Cats Mentally Sharp in 2026

As our pets spend more time indoors and our lives get busier, mental stimulation has become just as important as daily exercise. Enrichment isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and even long-term health. If your dog or cat seems restless, bored, clingy, or destructive, they may be asking for more variety in their daily routine.

North Vancouver Vet

What Is Enrichment?

Enrichment refers to any activity or environment that encourages natural behaviours such as playing, exploring, sniffing, hunting, chewing, climbing, or problem-solving. It’s how we help pets exercise their bodies and their brains.

North Vancouver Vet

Why Enrichment Matters

Pets who lack mental stimulation may show:

• Increased barking or vocalizing

• Destructive chewing/scratching

• Restlessness or pacing

• Weight gain

• Anxiety or stress

• Over-grooming (often cats)

Providing targeted enrichment can reduce unwanted behaviours, improve confidence, and strengthen your bond.

North Vancouver Vet

Enrichment Ideas for Dogs

1. Scent Walks

Allow your dog to sniff freely during walks—this is mentally stimulating and lowers stress.

2. Puzzle Feeders

Replace the food bowl with puzzle toys that encourage problem-solving.

3. Training Games

Teach new tricks, practice obedience, or introduce agility-style obstacles in your living room or yard.

4. Toy Rotation

Avoid overstimulation and keep things exciting by rotating toys weekly.

5. Social Enrichment

Structured play with compatible dogs or visits to dog-friendly spaces on the North Shore can be beneficial.

North Vancouver Vet

Enrichment Ideas for Cats

1. Vertical Space

Cat trees, wall shelves, and window perches are perfect for climbing and surveying territory.

2. “Hunting” Play

Feather wands, laser toys, and small prey-like toys satisfy instinctual behaviours.

3. Food Puzzles

Encourage natural foraging by hiding kibble or using slow-feeders or puzzle toys.

4. Safe Outdoor Time

For tolerant cats, leash training or enclosed “catios” provide safe exploration.

5. Novel Experiences

Rotating boxes, paper bags, scent toys, and cat-safe plants can help keep indoor life interesting.

North Vancouver Vet

Enrichment for Senior or Special-Needs Pets

Older pets or those with mobility limitations still benefit from gentle mental stimulation:

• Soft puzzle feeders

• Scent games (hiding treats around the home)

• Short, regular play sessions

• Low-impact movement like slow sniff walks or indoor exploration

Enrichment is adaptable—every pet can participate.

North Vancouver Vet

When to Ask a Veterinarian for Help

If your pet’s behaviour has changed suddenly or they struggle with anxiety, pain, or mobility issues, an underlying medical problem may be contributing. Our team at Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic can help tailor an enrichment plan that supports your pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

North Vancouver Vet