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4th Trimester Essentials: Dog Products Every New Parent Needs
Welcoming a new baby into the family is an exciting and transformative experience. However, it's also a time when your dog might feel a bit neglected due to the shift in household dynamics. To ensure your pup remains happy, engaged, and stress-free during this period, we've curated a list of must-have dog products designed to keep them mentally stimulated and entertained. I think you'll enjoy these just as much as your dog!
Be sure to scroll to the bottom for a helpful enrichment schedule.
Mental Stimulation
What is it, and why is it crucial for your dog?
Dogs love work-to-eat enrichment. The reward system in your dog's brain is likely responsible for encouraging them to keep engaged in work-to-eat toys.
When a dog chews on a bone, the effort they put into accessing the nutrient-dense marrow stimulates the release of "feel-good" neurotransmitters.
This rewarding sensation encourages them to continue chewing and working to get to the tasty marrow, ensuring they remain engaged and mentally stimulated.
We can hijack this phenomenon to create enriching, fulfilling opportunities for our dogs.
Serotonin
Often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, Serotonin contributes to a sense of well-being and happiness. When dogs engage in activities that require focus and effort, such as working to extract treats from a toy, their brains release serotonin. This release helps to reduce anxiety and promotes a calm, contented state. The rhythmic chewing and problem-solving aspects of work-to-eat toys can be particularly effective in stimulating serotonin production, making these toys an excellent choice for reducing stress and preventing behavioral issues.
Dopamine
Dopamine is another important neurotransmitter, often associated with pleasure and reward. When dogs successfully complete a challenging task or solve a puzzle, their brains release dopamine, providing a sense of accomplishment and reinforcing the behavior. Work-to-eat toys are designed to provide this kind of rewarding experience. As dogs manipulate the toys to release food, they experience a series of small victories, each triggering a burst of dopamine. This not only keeps them engaged and motivated but also helps to create positive associations with the activity.
Top Dog Products for Mental Stimulation
The Pupsicle
with Treat Molds
This innovative product features a durable, easy-to-use design that allows you to create your own treat inserts using the optional freezer mold. Simply fill the mold with your dog's favorite nutritious mixtures, freeze it, and you have a long-lasting snack that dogs love to lick and chew.
Refilling the Pupsicle is a breeze. To open it, twist off the top, drop in a new frozen treat insert, and twist it closed. This process takes only a few seconds and provides your dog with another 15 minutes of stimulating work-to-eat fun. This activity mimics natural foraging behavior, providing mental stimulation and satisfying their urge to chew, all while keeping them cool and happy.
Stuffed Marrow Bones
by Pawstruck
Stuffed marrow bones are perfect for rhythmic chewing and licking, which helps release serotonin and keeps your dog calm and happy. These bones provide a tasty challenge, keeping dogs occupied for hours as they work to extract every last bit of marrow.
Its important to find a brand that uses reputable ingredient sources and robust QC. This is why I typically stick with Pawstruck brand chewables.
Bully Sticks
with Anti-Choke Holder.
I know how important it is to keep our dogs happy and safe, especially when we're busy with a new baby. Bully sticks have been a lifesaver for our family.
To ensure my dog's safety, I always pair bully sticks with an anti-choke holder, like the Bully Buddy. This handy holder grips the bully stick securely, preventing my dog from swallowing large pieces and reducing the risk of choking. The combination of a tasty bully stick and the safety of an anti-choke holder gives me peace of mind and makes for a perfect, worry-free treat time.
Snuffle Mat
Snuffle Mats are awesome tools to have on hand. Simple hide your dog's kibble or treats in the many flaps and crevices of the mat and watch your dog go to work!
A snuffle mat encourages natural foraging instincts by allowing your dog to sniff out hidden treats. This activity provides mental stimulation and can slow down fast eaters. It's a great way to engage your dog's sense of smell and keep them busy.
Slow Feeder
Have a fast eater? Try slowing them down and engage their brain with a slow feeder.
Slow feeders are designed to make mealtime more challenging and engaging. By forcing your dog to work for their food, you can prevent gulping, promote healthy eating habits, and turn regular meals into an opportunity for mental stimulation.
Kong Wobbler
Another awesome tool to turn mealtime into enrichment time is the Kong Wobbler.
The Kong Wobbler is a classic toy that dispenses treats as your dog plays with it. It provides both mental and physical stimulation, making it an excellent choice for keeping your dog busy. Incorporating it into their regular feeding schedule can make mealtime more exciting.
As a mom, I know how important it is to keep our dogs happy and mentally stimulated, especially during the 4th trimester. Incorporating these must-have products into your dog's daily routine can make a huge difference. By using some of my favs like the Pupsicle, stuffed marrow bones, the Bully Buddy, a snuffle mat, a slow feeder, and the Kong Wobbler, you can ensure your pup stays engaged and content, even with a new baby in the house. Give our sample weekly enrichment schedule a try to provide a balanced mix of activities that cater to your dog's natural instincts.
If you're looking for more Dog & Baby tips, meet me over at the podcast, "Paws & Pacifiers".
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IAABC Canine Behavior Consultant
Jaime specializes in helping families harmonize the relationship between their dogs and new babies. With a compassionate, science-based approach, Jaime offers practical advice and training techniques to ensure a smooth transition for your furry friends.
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