Mental stimulation is just as important as physical care for dogs of all ages, especially seniors. As dogs grow older, their cognitive abilities may change, but they can still learn, explore and enjoy new experiences. Research suggests that enrichment activities, such as sniffing games, puzzle toys and treat-search challenges, may help senior dogs stay curious and engaged with their surroundings. Snuffle mats and interactive toys offer simple ways to encourage natural instincts, provide mental stimulation and make everyday life more enjoyable. The key is to choose activities suited to each dog's age, size, health and individual preferences. At Silver Whiskers, we believe that every dog deserves opportunities to play, discover and experience little moments of joy — at every stage of life.
During the final years of our beloved Braškutė’s life, her eyesight gradually weakened and walking became more difficult, but her curiosity remained. She still wanted to go outside, explore the world through her sense of smell and simply be together with us. Although her abilities were changing, these everyday moments continued to bring her joy.
When caring for an ageing dog, we often focus on their physical well-being: Are they in pain? Are they comfortable when lying down? Do their paws slip on the floor? We want to make life easier for them, but it is equally important to remember what sparks their interest and what they still enjoy doing.
Sometimes, the smallest things make a difference — not rushing a walk and allowing them a little extra time to sniff, even when we feel it is time to move on.
To me, caring for a dog means not only easing the things that have become difficult, but also making time for the things that bring them happiness.
It's Not Just the Body That Ages
Just like humans, dogs may find it more difficult to learn, remember, concentrate or solve problems as they grow older. These changes involve their cognitive abilities. In some dogs, they are barely noticeable, while in others, they become more pronounced.
However, these changes do not necessarily mean that a dog has dementia or will develop it in the future.
Senior dogs can still learn, explore and enjoy playing. The important thing is to offer activities that are both interesting and manageable, taking their health and overall well-being into consideration.
Rather than giving up activities because of age, we can adapt them to our dog's changing abilities.
Mental Stimulation for Dogs: What Does Science Say?
Can games and simple challenges offer more than just an enjoyable way to pass the time?
Research suggests that these activities may help older dogs remain curious and more engaged with their surroundings.
Interestingly, researchers use activities that are already familiar to many dog owners, including training, scent games and challenges involving interactive toys.
One such study, published in GeroScience in 2024, involved 72 healthy senior dogs living in family homes. After three months, dogs participating in a mental stimulation programme showed greater interest in unfamiliar objects.
The activities were adapted to each individual dog, offering enough of a challenge to encourage effort while remaining achievable. Importantly, the researchers evaluated the effects of the entire activity programme rather than any single toy.
It is also worth considering enrichment activities when a dog begins experiencing difficulties with memory or orientation.
The American Animal Hospital Association's (AAHA) 2023 guidelines address not only medical treatment but also the importance of a dog's everyday activities. Physical movement, new toys and cognitive challenges are recommended as additional ways to support their well-being.
Although we cannot stop the ageing process, we can help ensure that our dogs continue to have things to explore and enjoy.
To me, these findings are a reminder that senior dogs still deserve opportunities to discover something new, play together and experience the satisfaction of solving a little challenge.
Not to test what they can still accomplish, but to give them opportunities to explore and share in their joy when they succeed.
Sniff, Search, Discover
Snuffle mats and interactive enrichment toys are wonderful ways to introduce mental stimulation into a dog's everyday life at home.
One of the simplest ways to begin is by encouraging your dog to search for food hidden between layers of fabric.
Our Turtle Snuffle Mat is designed for exactly this kind of activity. Simply hide some dry food or suitable treats among its fabric sections and allow your dog to search at their own pace.
Measuring 71 × 52 cm, this generously sized mat is also an option I would consider for larger dogs.
For the first introduction, I would leave a few treats somewhere easy to find, helping the dog understand how the game works.
A similar activity, but with different hiding places, is offered by the LAMBWOLF Typewriter Enrichment Toy, suitable for dogs of various sizes.
Treats can be hidden within its textured surface or inside the larger pocket located where the typewriter's paper would normally be inserted.
I would begin with the textured surface and introduce the pocket later, once the dog becomes familiar with searching for treats.
Sometimes, it is nice to offer a challenge that involves more than simply finding something — one that encourages the dog to work out how to reach their reward.
The LAMBWOLF Lollipop Enrichment Toy features a knitted section that can be rolled up with treats hidden inside. As the dog unrolls it, they gradually uncover their reward.
This compact toy is best suited to small and medium-sized dogs.
For beginners, I would roll it up loosely so that the activity remains enjoyable rather than becoming a frustrating challenge.
Another playful option is the Carrots Snuffle Toy.
Dogs can pull soft carrots out of their fabric garden and search for hidden treats. Each carrot features two small treat pockets and also contains a squeaker.
This toy can be offered to larger dogs as well, although I would first consider whether the removable carrots are appropriately sized and whether the dog can comfortably reach the hiding places.
There is no need to use all eight carrots from the beginning.
For the first introduction, I would offer just one loosely placed carrot with a treat that is easy to reach.
Another way to add variety to playtime is the LAMBWOLF MOMO Enrichment Toy, suitable for small, medium and large dogs.
Its two soft peaches feature treat pockets of different sizes, allowing dogs to search for hidden rewards.
For dogs who enjoy more active play, there is also something to tug and shake. The peaches are connected by a crinkly branch, and each contains a squeaker.
What I particularly like about this toy is how easily the activity can be adapted.
One day, you might enjoy a gentle game of tug together. On another, you might simply hide a few treats and allow your dog to search for them.
It all depends on what your dog feels like doing that day and what is most comfortable for them.
When choosing toys for a senior dog, I would also pay attention to sound.
If squeaking frightens your dog or they simply dislike it, I would choose a toy without squeakers. If crinkling sounds are also unpleasant, I would avoid toys with crinkly elements.
The most important thing is to observe whether your dog is genuinely enjoying the activity rather than encouraging them to continue when they would prefer to stop.
Enrichment Isn't Just for Senior Dogs
There is no need to wait until your dog grows old to introduce enrichment activities.
Searching for food and completing simple challenges give puppies opportunities to explore, learn and interact with their humans.
For adult dogs, these activities offer variety and make everyday routines more interesting.
Snuffle mats and interactive toys can accompany dogs throughout their lives. What changes over time is simply how we use them.
That is why I would never choose a toy based on age alone.
A dog's size, health, experience and individual play preferences are just as important.
Some dogs enjoy calmly searching for treats between layers of fabric. Others prefer pulling a carrot from its hiding place or unrolling a toy to uncover a reward.
The most important thing is finding activities that are both enjoyable and comfortable for our own dogs.
Making Playtime Safe and Comfortable
A good enrichment activity begins not only with the toy itself, but also with the environment in which our dog will play.
Their paws should have a secure grip on the floor, and hidden treats should be easy to reach.
For senior dogs experiencing mobility difficulties, a non-slip surface can help them maintain their balance and move around the toy more comfortably.
We can also use a portion of our dog's regular daily food for enrichment activities.
If we choose to use treats instead, these should be included in their daily food allowance to avoid unintentionally overfeeding them during play.
Even the softest toy is not indestructible, so supervision is important.
Regularly inspect toys for damaged stitching, loose pieces or other signs of wear. If a toy becomes damaged, it should no longer be offered to your dog, as detached parts could be swallowed.
And once playtime is over, allow your dog some time to relax.
Rest is just as important to their everyday well-being as activity.
Not every change should be dismissed as a natural part of ageing.
If your dog begins wandering restlessly at night, becomes confused in familiar surroundings or shows other noticeable behavioural changes, it is important to consult a veterinarian.
These symptoms may be associated with cognitive difficulties, but they can also result from pain or other health conditions.
Understanding what is causing the changes is essential to providing the right care and support.
Keeping Every Day Full of Little Discoveries
I want playtime to remain a joyful part of everyday life, rather than becoming another task that has to be done perfectly.
There is no need to come up with something new every single day.
Sometimes, returning to a favourite toy and simply spending time together while your dog searches for hidden treats is more than enough.
At Silver Whiskers, we carefully select snuffle mats and interactive enrichment toys with these meaningful everyday moments in mind.
Explore Snuffle Mats & Interactive Enrichment Toys at Silver Whiskers.
Sources
This article was prepared using scientific research, veterinary care guidelines and recommendations on canine welfare.
1. Bognár, Z., Szabó, D., Turcsán, B., & Kubinyi, E. (2024). The behavioural effect of short-term cognitive and physical intervention therapies in old dogs. GeroScience, 46, 5409–5429. A study examining the effects of cognitive and physical activity programmes on the behaviour of senior dogs. Springer Nature Link
2. American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Managing Cognitive Dysfunction and Behavioral Anxiety. A section of the 2023 Senior Care Guidelines discussing the recognition and management of cognitive dysfunction in ageing pets. AAHA
3. Dogs Trust. Enrichment Activities to Keep Your Dog Entertained. Recommendations on food-search activities, play, individual needs, safety and rest. Dogs Trust
4. Dogs Trust. Caring for an Older Dog. Guidance on senior dog care and adapting activities to changing abilities. Dogs Trust
5. American Kennel Club (AKC). 7 Easy Ways to Keep Your Senior Dog Happy. Recommendations for keeping senior dogs engaged and creating a more comfortable home environment. American Kennel Club