I was fresh out of vet school. My knowledge of dog's health revolved around physical health: vaccinations, surgeries, medications, parasites, infections. We can like it or not, but it was (and largely still is) the nature of medical training: if it couldn’t be diagnosed under a microscope or treated with a drug, it rarely made it onto our radar.

One day I met the person who is now my fiancée, a brilliant dog behaviourist. One of the first evenings we spent together, I watched her prepare dinner for her dog (who is now, of course, our dog). But instead of simply filling a bowl, she carefully laid out a snuffle mat, puzzle feeders, and other enrichment tools.

The dog got to work. What followed was 40 minutes of sniffing, foraging, and problem-solving, just to get through one meal. I stood there, quite amused, and thought to myself (still a little cocky from vet school), “Is this really necessary?”

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Over the years, I’ve watched her work with anxious, reactive, and shut-down dogs, helping them come back to life in ways I hadn’t thought possible. One thing stood out to me: enrichment was at the heart of nearly every case. Again and again, I saw dramatic changes in the behavior and mood of these animals. I began to realize something that now feels very obvious, but was never once covered in vet school: an animal’s emotional wellbeing goes far beyond just food, safety, and shelter. They’re emotionally complex beings, far more than we think.

Today, I routinely recommend enrichment as part of a preventive care plan. It's no longer just a bonus, to me it's essential.

So, in this article, I’ve decided to put together this list of 5 vet-approved products that can make a real difference in the area we’re rarely taught about in vet school: your dog’s emotional wellbeing. Every recommended product is backed by science and hands-on experience. Cat lovers, stay tuned: next week I will write the equivalent article for cats!

Maybe your dog struggles with anxiety, boredom, or simply needs more mental stimulation, these tools (used alongside the guidance of a qualified behaviourist when needed) can make difference.

Let’s go.

---

1. Snuffle Mats for Mental Stimulation and Calmness

Snuffle mats are designed to mimic a dog’s natural foraging instincts. They turn mealtime into a mentally engaging and calming activity. Instead of gulping down food from a bowl, your dog gets to “hunt” for kibble or treats hidden among the fabric strips, just like they would in nature.

This simple change can significantly reduce stress, prevent boredom, and help regulate the nervous system, especially in high-energy or anxious dogs.

Snuffle mats are also great for dogs who eat too quickly, helping to slow down meals and reduce the risk of digestive issues or choking.

 Shop Recommended Snuffle Mat on Amazon

---

2. Interactive Puzzle Toys for Daily Enrichment

Dogs thrive on problem-solving. Similar to snuffle mats, interactive puzzle toys engage their natural curiosity and intelligence, turning mealtime or playtime into a stimulating mental workout. These toys have been shown to reduce boredom-related behaviors (like chewing, digging, and excessive barking).

They’re especially beneficial for working breeds or dogs with limited outdoor access, helping to channel mental energy in a positive way.

Start with simpler puzzles and gradually increase the difficulty to keep your dog challenged without causing frustration. A well-matched puzzle can keep a dog happily engaged for long stretches of time.

Top-Rated Puzzle Toys for Dogs

---

3. Calming Dog Beds for Anxiety Relief

Find the Best Calming Dog Beds Here

---

4. Adaptil Diffuser for Stressful Environments

This vet-recommended plug-in diffuser releases synthetic versions of calming canine pheromones, which are clinically proven to reduce stress-related behaviours such as barking, pacing, whining, and house soiling. It’s especially helpful during times of change (like moving house or introducing a new pet). They are designed to create a calming atmosphere, and they are ideal for anxious or sensitive dogs.

Place the diffuser near your dog’s main resting area and leave it plugged in continuously. It can take up to 30 days to see noticeable improvements, so don't panic if you see no improvement whatsoever in a few days. Obviously, more severe cases of anxiety  require professional help, but the diffuser can still be part of a broader strategy.

 Buy the Adaptil Calm Home Diffuser Here

---

5. Lick Mats for Relaxation and Distraction

Lick mats are a simple but powerful tool for calming your dog. The repetitive motion of licking helps release endorphins (feel-good hormones that naturally reduce stress and anxiety). Just spread a bit of peanut butter, yogurt, or wet food across the mat and let your dog enjoy a soothing and focused activity.

They’re perfect for moments that tend to trigger stress, such as grooming, crate time, or vet appointments (or, like in our dog's case, when there are guests she is not too fond of). 

You can freeze the lick mat with your dog’s favorite spread for a longer-lasting distraction. 

 Vet-Favorite Lick Mats on Amazon

---

Final Thoughts from the Vet

Your dog’s emotional health really matters, and it can dramatically affect their behavior and wellbeing. Good emotional health is also known, just like in humans, to boost their immune system. With just a few simple tools and a bit of daily engagement, you can contribute to a calmer and happier life for your dog.

 Don’t miss next week’s article: “5 Vet-Recommended Products That Support Your Cat’s Emotional Wellbeing.” 

For now, try out one (or more!) of these emotionally enriching products, and let your dog thank you with a happier mental state and reduced stress levels!

As vets and dog parents, we have the duty to care for the whole pet: body, mind, and heart.

---

This post contains affiliate links. For more details, see our Affiliate Disclosure