Here Puppy, Chew on This: Short-Term Provision of Toys Does Not Improve Welfare in Companion Dogs.

ABSTRACT: Retail dog toys are often provided to companion animals to provide cognitive and physical stimu- lation and improve the animals' quality of life. These toys, sometimes known as "enrichment toys", have been shown to play a role in increasing appetite and activity levels and decreasing undesirable behaviors (e.g., barking, self-isolating behaviors) in some domestic dog (Canis familiaris) populations. In this study, we evaluate the effect of toys on appetite, activity levels, and positive affective states as measures of well- being in companion dogs. Behaviors were compared before and after regular interactions with different types of toys over twelve days. We found that provisioning companion dogs with toys did not significantly alter their activity level, rate of food consumption, or

SUBMITTER: Chan K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10648485 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature