What is a Snuffle mat? Have you ever wondered how they help dogs? Why dogs love them? What's all the hype.
If you’re a pet owner, you’ve probably already heard of or seen a snuffle mat.
A Snuffle Mat is basically a collection of fabric tied together and placed onto the floor that dog’s can dig into and get their food or treats out of.
It is a fun way for your dog to get exercise, mental satisfaction, and satisfy your dog’s natural urge to sniff.
Dogs are naturally curious and love to sniff around. By providing them with a snuffle mat, you provide them with some much needed mental exercise while making it fun for them.
Snuffle mat’s can also provide comfort and ease separation anxiety when left alone.
A snuffle mat helps your dog stay active and healthy, and can be a great way to exercise your dog and encourage your dog to be more social, and most of all, keep your dog entertained.
It’s easy to make your own snuffle mat using an old t-shirt, jeans, sheet or any leftover fabric.
Are Snuffle Mats good for dogs?
Snuffle mats are used to encourage slower eating habits, but it’s encourages a dog’s need to sniff, requiring their sense of smell.
They help dog’s use their natural instincts to reduce boredom, and provide a safe way to eat, and even find things.
The sniffing and foraging process works to stimulate the pleasure centers in a dog’s brains, which works as a great way to keep your dog’s engaged and happy.
Why Dog's need a Snuffle Mat
Sniffing is an important way for dogs to get to know the outside world. They “see” the world through their noses, just like we see the world through our eyes.
A snuffle mat encourages a dogs’ instinct, letting them have fun exploring.
A wonderful snuffle mat stimulate dogs’ powerful sense of smell and to stimulate a dog’s natural foraging instincts by mimicking the hunt for food in grass and fields.
Make dog's love finding food or his favorite treats on a snuffle mat!
What do you put in a Snuffle Mat?
Snuffle mats are used to hide their dry kibble or treats in the mat. Simply take a handful of kibble or treats and hide them in the folds of the mat.
To use the snuffle mat, place the kibble or treats on the top of the mat.
As your dog learns to use the snuffle mat, place them deeper into the strips of fabric. Your dog will learn to work their way into the inner folds of the snuffle mat.
Benefits of a Snuffle Mat for a Dog
Snuffle mats are also known as a great interactive enrichment game to help your dog from slowing down eating to working on their search and find skills.
- They encourage attentive play.
- It makes a perfect seek and find toy.
- They are mentally stimulating and relieve boredom.
- It helps your dog use its nose to sniff and find.
- It's great for dogs on a restricted calorie reducing diet.
- Enriching for your dog's physical and mental health.
- May help reduce stress.
- Helps to reduce anxiety.
- Zaps your dog's energy.
- Great for keeping puppies entertained.
Can you Wash a Snuffle Mat?
Absolutely! However, before washing you’ll want to first shake the mat our really well, even combing your fingers through the mat to make sure and get out any leftover pieces of kibble or treats.
Once clear, you can machine wash on cold. You can even place them in with your sheets, blankets or towels.
Then tumble dry on a low heat.
How to make a snuffle mat?
Snuffle mats are a beginner’s easy project. They can take anywhere from an hour up to 4 hours, depending on the size of the snuffle mat.
It’s the perfect project in front of the television. The best thing is that if you need to put it down, you can always come back to it, kind like knitting.
NOTE: Dog’s should always be supervised when using a snuffle mat.
Instructions for Making a Snuffle Mat
Here's some instructions for making your own Snuffle Mat: Easy Instructions on DIY: How to a No-Sew Snuffle Mat here.
Leave a Reply