Cohousing, interaction with conspecifics, and daily grooming can help relieve stress in dogs in stable laboratory settings19; however, time spent in hospital and boarding facilities is usually short, which can prohibit regular use of these methods. For patients eating well, puzzle feeders can enhance mealtimes and provide mental stimulation (Figure 5). For cats that are cage housed for extended periods, disposable scratch pads can provide the ability to stretch and scratch. The effect of toys depends on individual preference. Novel items are typically preferable; thus, maintaining a scheduled rotation of enrichment experiences can be engaging (Figure 6).
Although there have been several studies on the effect music, audiobooks, and talk radio have on dogs and cats, the overall benefits remain unclear20,21; if these are offered, the volume should be well-controlled, and extended quiet times should be provided for natural sleep cycles. Olfactory stimulation with desirable fragrances can also provide mental stimulation (Figure 7). These can be intermittently sprayed in housing areas but never directly on patients.
Activities for which patients express a preference (including walking paths, exercise modalities, human interactions, play items, and food choices) should be recognized and provided, given they are appropriate based on other treatment and husbandry parameters.19,22,23 It is ideal to incorporate the stimulation of multiple senses (eg, olfactory, auditory, tactile) when designing enrichment strategies. Another key concept for enrichment programs is that the patient must engage positively with the item offered. It is not enough to simply offer a variety of options; responses should be monitored to assess if the item provokes an active, positive response.