Enrichment for pets can be a wide variety of different activities, becauseenrichment is basically any action that improves or enhances a pet’s qualityof life. Every pet is different, so what might be enrichment to one pet, couldvery well be stressful to another.
When a Pet Boarding or Doggie Day-care business is providing enrichment topets in their care, it is important to know what is right for each individualpet. This depends on several factors, such as:
- Which species – Cat, Dog, Bird, or small critter
- The pet’s breed (for example, brachycephalic dogs need to be monitored to avoid excess activity which could lead to breathing problems)
- Their personality traits (are they social or shy?)
- Their age
- Their mobility levels
- The outside environment (climate)
- The time of day (for example in some areas of Australia during Summertime, there may be restrictions on outdoor play during the hottest hours of the day when temperatures are soaring)
The style of enrichment provided will therefore differ greatly from one pet toanother and could include a huge rage of different options. For some outgoing,high-energy dogs, they might love to run around chasing a ball, splash in thepool, or engage in a social playtime session with other pets.
By comparison, when providing enrichment to a low-energy or timid dog, itmight be preferred to spend time with the pet in their room patting them,brushing them, and talking to them. For those pets who need constant on-goingamusement, consider an activity that they can work away at on their own, likea Kong treat or a doggie ice block!
For the elderly dogs, it is important that regardless of their mobility level,they get up and move around. This might include a slow walk on a lead, apaddle in a shallow puppy pool, or some time to wander around the yard andsniff the grass.
For the felines in a Pet Care facility, it is important that they are keptmobile during their stay. Not all cats like to be handled (by their owners orby strangers in some cases!) so it is important to give them their space whenneeded, but ensure that they have the opportunity to come out of their room,stretch their legs and explore.
In all cases, the Pet Care facility is going to be considering the outsideenvironment to ensure that it is appropriate for the level of activity beingundertaken. This will ensure that the pet is always kept safe and comfortableand avoid any stress from exposure to the elements.
Every pet care business will be slightly different and offer a different rangeof enrichment activities. It is important that those people in charge ofcaring for pets know as much as possible about what they need, so that theycan recommend the best possible package for pets during their holidays.
For more information about the Australian Pet Care Association, visit us athttps://www.australianpetcareassociation.com.au/ where you can join to becomeone of our fabulous members or contact the Secretary of the Associationanytime at [email protected].
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