Enrichment Activities to Reduce Stress in Pets and Improve Cortisol

Enrichment activities to reduce stress in pets play a vital role in their overall well-being–including mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Unfortunately, stress can elevate cortisol levels in pets, leading to a host of issues that manifest in various ways.

Elevated cortisol levels can lead to a weak immune system, digestive problems, and behavioral changes. It helps to understand what we mean by ‘stress’ in pets; after all, what do dogs and cats have to stress about? A lot, to be honest. Here’s what you need to know to help reduce stress and improve your pet’s cortisol level.

What Causes Pets to Be Stressed?

Like people, pets can experience stress due to many life factors. These include daily life stressors, environmental concerns, and even noise issues. 

How many of these do you believe are considered stressors to pets? 

1. Moving to a new home or apartment
2. A new baby or family member in the home
3. Travel in a plane or motor vehicle
4. Loud sounds (thunderstorms, lightning)
5. Being isolated and alone a lot
6. Health problems/being in pain
7. Inconsistent routines
8. Conflicts or squabbles with other pets
9. Owner or family stressors
10. Veterinarian or grooming visits
11. Being harmed or abused

If you guessed ALL of them, you are correct. Pets internalize stress because they can’t say they feel upset, concerned, or anxious. People can express their emotions, leave a troubling situation, or talk to a doctor about medical concerns. Pets do not have the same privilege. 

Recognizing these or other stressors is the first step to creating a more stable, calming environment, which may help lower cortisol levels. 

What Are Enrichment Activities To Reduce Stress in Pets?

Enrichment activities engage your pet’s natural instincts, such as hunting, foraging, and social interaction, in a safe, stress-free, controlled environment. When pets are stimulated through mind and body, they feel a sense of joy and purpose and feel less bored. 

Imagine if you had no one to talk to and nothing to do and were exposed to yelling, loud sounds, or family turmoil, but you could not tell anyone. It would affect you internally and externally, and you’d not be a very happy person. This is how your pet feels under stress.

Like pets, there are no two alike. What works for your cat may not work for someone else’s dog. The beauty of enrichment activities is they come in many forms, including:

• Physical activity 
• Mental challenges
• Sensory stimulation
• Social interactions 

In the next section, we’ll discuss different enrichment activities to help reduce stress and improve your pet’s cortisol level. 

Types of Enrichment Activities For Pets

We are breaking the enrichment activities into categories to provide several activities for all pets, no matter their age or life situation. Scroll through our list and try different ones.

Scent-Based Enrichment Activities 

Scent work draws on your pet’s natural instincts to sniff and hunt. Both dogs and cats like to hunt and explore their environment. Some scent-based activities include:

• Snuffle Mats: Snuffle mats are designed for pets to forage and burrow to find treats hidden within. Both dogs and cats tend to like a snuffle mat.
• Hide and Seek Games: Scatter treats around your residence or play hide and seek with the help of another person. One person stays with your dog while the other hides. When your dog finds you, reward with a tasty snack and praise. 
• Scent Trail Fun: Get your dog involved with formal scent work, do it for fun, or create a trail of treats in your residence for your pet to see and find. 

Interactive Toys 

Interactive toys challenge your pet to think outside the box. These toys are even more fun when you play with your dog or cat and the toys. 

• Puzzles: Use treat-dispending puzzles and games to heighten your pet’s sense of smell and curiosity. Games from Outward Hound and Nina Ottosson are available in varying levels so pet parents can work their way up. Be patient and praise a lot. Always end on a positive note. 
• Slow feeders: Make mealtime fun time with a slow feeder. If your pet is a particularly fast eater, slow eaters are a great option to slow the pace. Ensure the feeder isn’t too challenging so you aren’t adding more stress to their life. 
• Treat balls and dispensers: Stuff a treat ball or challenging pet toy dispenser with treats and show your pet how it works. Don’t start with a difficult toy. KONG offers a variety of toys and treats that work in tandem with your pet’s skill level. 

Physical Activities

Physical activity is something all pets need, no matter their age or size. Talk to your veterinarian about appropriate exercises and activities if your pet is older and less mobile. Easy ways to get your pet moving and boosting endorphins include:

• Frequent Walks: Take your dog for a walk at least once a day. Change up the routine so your dog is exposed to different sniffs and sights. Don’t rush them along and allow them to be on a ‘sniffari.’ Just ensure they know the ‘leave it’ command to avoid anything less than desirable on the ground. Cats can also be trained on a leash to take walks. Never force the situation; the goal is to decrease your pet’s stress level, not increase it. 
• Fetch and Game Play: High-energy games that involve a ball, rope toy, or other stuffed animal are fun ways to provide indoor activity and keep the pounds off. 
• Canine Sports: Organized activities for dogs (and sometimes cats) include obedience, agility, flyball, dock diving, lure coursing, rally, and scent work. The American Kennel Club offers many sports your dog can get involved in.
• Feline-Specific Toys: Why should dogs have all the fun? Cats love toys, too. Interactive toys like feather wands and easer, catnip-stuffed toys, and rolling and spinning balls are feline favorites. Spend time with your cat engaging in play so she knows you are active and present in her life. 

Chewing and Licking Games

Chewing is a normal and rewarding part of a dog’s life. For dogs and cats, chewing and licky are self-soothing activities that help release endorphins and may help lower cortisol levels. 

• Chew Toys: Durable, age- and size-appropriate toys keep pets busy and help reduce anxiety. These toys are often given to shelter pets to stay calm in a kennel while awaiting a forever home. 
• Dental Treats: These chews are designed to scrape plaque and tartar, but they also keep your pet busy and create a sense of calm and enjoyment. Think of how happy you feel eating your favorite snack or candy bar. 
• Licki-Mats: Spread pet-safe (no Xylitol) peanut butter, yogurt, or pumpkin puree onto a lick mat and allow your pet to enjoy. It can be messy, so do this in a carpet-free room. 
• Frozen Treats: A filled KONG toy is one of the easiest and most effective ways to busy a dog or cat. Use wet food or a mixture of treats before freezing the KONG. The result is long-lasting entertainment. This is a great tactic when you have a busy day or chores around the house. 

Training 

Training can be stress-busting, no matter how old or young your pet is. If your dog or cat is into it, try any of the following:

• Become a Canine Good Citizen: After practicing a series of 10 basic canine behaviors, your dog is evaluated by a person at an AKC (American Kennel Club) testing center. The goal is to pass all 10 requirements–from sitting politely to coming when called– and your dog is a canine good citizen. It’s a lot of fun, and having been through this with my dogs, it enhances your bond. Not all dogs are into it, so use your best judgment to determine if the activities make your dog happy. Always praise!
• Practice Different Basic Tricks: If being a homebody is more your thing, try trick training with your dog or cat. Learn from the American Kennel Club or Life with Cats. Dogs can even earn trick dog titles, as mine have. It’s a lot of fun, and pets generally love it. 

Social Interaction

If you are more of an introvert, your pet may be too. Other pets love social interaction and need it. Most dogs and cats like to socialize, given the right situation. 

If your pet is a social butterfly but isn’t around people or other pets, they may become depressed or withdrawn. Schedule time with friends or family members with pets, consider indoor dog parks in cold weather or walk around pet supply stores to get out and about. 

Environmental Enrichment

Environmental enrichment is one of our list’s easiest and most simple tasks. 

• Rotate Toys: This keeps things fresh and gives pets something to look forward to. If you buy five toys, offer them out over a period of days to weeks. 
• Window Perching: Cats love to look outside, but leaving them alone outside is dangerous and not advisable. Instead, provide access to windows where cats can perch and watch the world outside. 
• Digging Areas: Dogs who love to dig and forage would do well with an area where they can dig to their heart’s content. Some pet parents isolate a section of the yard for pure digging fun!

Sensory Stimulation

Let’s get all zen and tap into your pet’s senses.

• Music Therapy: Scientific evidence proves the benefit of the right music on a pet’s well-being. The Pet Acoustics device helps pets with separation anxiety, training, excessive barking, and more. 
• Aromatherapy: Unless your pet has specific allergies, aromatherapy can help soothe frazzled nerves. Pheromone products are popular and include sprays, plug-in devices, and collars that help calm dogs and cats. 

Relaxation Techniques

Gentle massages and calming rest periods can benefit a pet’s stress level. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to massage your dog or cat. If your pet isn’t fond of the process, skip it and try simple petting or snuggling by them. 

How Can IPL’s Cortisol Test Help? 

Innovative Pet Lab’s Stress Test is designed specifically to measure cortisol levels in your dog or cat. Because we know stress can impact the entirety of your pet’s health and well-being, it’s important to test it at least once every six months. 

Dr. Betsy Redmond holds a Masters of Medical Science (MMSc) from Emory University and has worked in clinical laboratory and research for over 20 years. 

“By measuring fecal cortisol, we can identify hidden issues that may be affecting your pet’s behavior, immunity, and overall well-being.”  says Dr. Redmond.  “This simple test provides actionable insights to create a more balanced, healthier life.” 

Lower cortisol levels help pets feel more relaxed and better equipped to face challenges. Reducing stress makes dogs and cats feel more comfortable in social settings, veterinary visits, grooming appointments, and new environments. 

Most notably, the test is performed at home, and results are returned via email within two weeks. You’ll receive a thorough explanation of your pet’s cortisol results with action items to improve their cortisol level. Order your test HERE! 

Carol is the Immediate Past President of the Dog Writers Association of America and is well-known in the pet industry. She has appeared on television, radio shows, and podcasts, as well as in articles from CNN and Vetstreet to Dogster and Today.com. She is a copywriter, content marketer, and award-winning blogger who owns FidoseofReality.com and SmartDogCopy.com.