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Nature Is Our Inspiration

Pets Are Our Passion 

Super Snoots & Snuffle Mats

Everwell Pets

Explore why it's important that our dogs engage their sniffers and an easy and affordable way to do this, using snuffle mats.


canine nose sniffing enrichment activity
Photo credit: Gayatri Malhotra on Upsplash

I’ll admit it—snuffle mats have been on my radar for a while. I even have a couple tucked away in the “dog closet,” gifts from well-meaning friends. But I’ll be honest, they’ve gathered a bit of dust. Sure, the concept is great—fun sniffing and foraging—but I used to wonder, how much good can a snuffle mat really do?


Over the years, I’ve learned that keeping your dog mentally stimulated is just as important as keeping them physically healthy. And let me tell you, this has been no small feat in my house. With five dogs ranging from 1 to 15 years old and from 6 to 80 pounds, it’s a challenge to meet each one’s needs. In the past, I have struggled with how do I keep them all exercised and engaged—especially my senior guy who needs a little extra TLC?


Here’s the thing: playtime isn’t just about burning off energy. It’s also about relieving stress and providing enrichment. That means combining physical activities like walks, hikes, or running with mental challenges that make your dog think or put their nose to work. And that’s where snuffle mats come in. Using their nose activates both sides of the brain and stimulates the entire neurological system right down to their rear end. This is especially important for senior pets or those with musculoskeletal or neurological issues.


So yeah, those snuffle mats? They’ve earned a second look and maybe it's time to consider adding this activity for your own pups.


Some Facts About The Canine Brain

Did you know your dog’s brain is a finely tuned sniffing machine?  A significant chunk of your pup’s brain—some estimates say as much as one-third—is devoted to olfactory cells. That’s right, a whole third of their brain is dedicated to sniffing! This makes your dog’s sense of smell thousands (and in some cases, millions) of times stronger than ours.


So while we might pick up the faint aroma of freshly baked cookies, your dog could probably tell you the exact recipe—and which cookie sheet you used. It's no wonder that engaging their nose is one of the best ways to stimulate their brain and enrich their world! [1]


Compared to humans, a dog’s brain is smaller, about the size of a lemon or tangerine. However, MRI studies have shown that even though dog brain size is smaller, all the basic structures that are found in humans are present. These include the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, brainstem, hippocampus, amygdala, and basal ganglia. Like humans, dogs have a hippocampus which makes it possible to remember things. Their amygdala also makes it possible for them to experience a variety of emotions. [2]


Unlike humans, dogs can process smells while inhaling and exhaling. They can differentiate between the right and left nostril, and have the ability to smell and analyze odors in specific areas of the nasal passageway. [3]


A dog who is very excited, or insecure, may not scent when he comes to a new area because it requires concentration. He can only receive the odors when he is relaxed; stress blocks that ability and diminishes his awareness. Concentrated scenting and searching settles the dog and relaxes him, which improves his ability to smell and compartmentalize the information. It can, therefore, be a useful way of releasing tension when working with dogs who are nervous or insecure. [3]


I have seen first hand, some of more nervous clients, if given a minute or two to snuffle they relax before we start with their adjustment.


So What the Heck is a Snuffle Mat?


canine sniffing exercise with snuffle mat
Engaging the sniffer with a snuffle mat

A snuffle mat is usually made up of loose pieces of fabric (usually fleece) attached to a plastic mat or solid piece of material. This allows plenty of room to hide dog treats inside, and your dog will love using their nose to sniff through the fabric to find them. They can be used with cats and other pets, but they’re particularly great for dogs as they engage their strong sense of smell. Many pet brands make snuffle mats (Amazon) or you can also make your own DIY snuffle mat at home if you are feeling particularly crafty.


The Benefits of a Snuffle Mat for Your Pet


Mental Stimulation

By providing an excellent challenge because the treats will be in different places every time you use it.


Strengthens Foraging Skills

Gives your pet a great opportunity to use their noses and practice searching for food. These searching skills can come in handy later when you’re training your pup as well. Since dogs are motivated by enticing smells, a snuffle mat is a toy that can really keep them engaged. Like it was mentioned above, some estimates allocate one-third of the dog’s brain to the chore of scenting.


Calms Busy Dogs

It’s normal for puppies to have plenty of extra energy, and some dogs maintain this exuberant personality throughout their life. If your dog has too much excess energy, a snuffle mat is an effective way to help them calm down.


Just 15 minutes of active sniffing can burn as many calories for your dog as an hour-long walk, so it can tire them out very quickly.

Focus and Relaxation

The process of searching for food can help your dog focus and relax, and it will prevent them from taking that energy out on you, your family, other pack members, or your furniture. A snuffle mat is something your dog can use independently and is something they can play with inside. This makes it a great alternative to going on a long walk if you don’t have time, or to playing outside if it’s too cold. Many of my clients leave it with their pet on their way out the door.


Stress Reduction

Just like humans, dogs can get stressed out at times, and playing with a snuffle mat can help them calm down. The snuffle mat is a great outlet for their energy, which can help to reduce tension, and it’s also an effective distraction from whatever’s causing the stress. For example, if your dog gets stressed out going to the vet, the animal chiropractor, the groomer, or the pet sitter’s, you can use the mat beforehand or even during to help them calm down.


Great For Mobility Issues

Even dogs with mobility issues need to play, but not all toys are suitable for injured dogs, post-surgical dogs or dogs with chronic illnesses. Any dog can use a snuffle mat, regardless of their size, age, or mobility level. Since it’s more of a brain puzzle than a strenuous search for food, your mobility-challenged dog can use it without too much strain. All the while, stimulating the brain and nervous system.


Great for Senior Dogs

Senior dogs often love snuffle mats as well – even if they’re relatively healthy, many senior dogs struggle with other food-dispensing toys that require more energy. A snuffle mat is a safe (use on a carpeted area) and fun way for your senior dog to get their playtime in.


How to Use A Snuffle Mat

Snuffle mats are straightforward to use. Just hide your dog’s favorite treats between the pieces of fleece where they can’t see them, and they’ll soon start sniffing through to find them.

However, keep in mind that the smell is the most engaging part of the snuffle mat for many dogs. Use high value, yummy smelling limited, preferably single-ingredient meat treats.

It can take some time for your pup to get the hang of the snuffle mat, particularly if they are a puppy, so you’ll want to start slow. For their first playtime with the snuffle mat, put just a few treats in the top layers of the fleece, so they aren’t too difficult for your dog to find.

Over time, you can increase the number of treats you put into the mat, and you can hide them further beneath the fleece to create more of a challenge. Encourage your dog to sniff out the treats instead of digging at the mat or trying to lift it up. Your dog will quickly learn that the snuffle mat means it’s time to eat, so they’ll be motivated to find the treats.

 

In Summary

Mental stimulation is so important to your dog’s well-being and unfortunately, oftentimes, it is given second-fiddle to the importance of physical activity. I know I have been guilty of this. Keeping your dog’s mind happy with games and tools such as a snuffle mat are just as important to maintain or improve your dog’s health and vitality.

 

 
virtual pet wellness consultation

Book a virtual pet wellness consult with Dr. Andi today! Whether you're navigating the ins and outs of pet nutrition, tackling health concerns, or just looking for personalized advice to keep your pet happy and healthy, Dr. Andi is here to guide you every step of the way.

 



You can find more pet health resources including, videos, podcasts, articles, tips, programs, & raw dog food meal ideas, by joining our FREE Everwell Pets Tribe!

 

Citations

[1] Whole Dog Journal

[3] Dogs in Translation, by Katya Kruass & Gabi Maue


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