Dogs are social animals that often experience stress or anxiety when separated from their human caregivers, even for brief periods. To improve welfare during these moments, researchers have explored food-based enrichment as a tool for emotional support. In this study, Flint and colleagues (2023) assessed how different enrichment items influenced dog behavior and mood when left alone.
The team tested 20 dogs using a cross-over design at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, exposing them to four enrichment types: a long-lasting chew, a treat-dispensing toy, and a smart treat-dispensing device with and without human voice interaction. Each dog spent 20 minutes alone in a familiar environment while engagement, emotional valence, and arousal were video-recorded and scored every five minutes.
Results showed that long-lasting chews were the most effective enrichment. Dogs spent significantly more time engaged with the chew, exhibited lower arousal levels during the first minutes of isolation, and showed more positive emotional states compared to all other enrichment types. In contrast, the smart device and toy produced less consistent calming effects.
The researchers concluded that long-lasting chews help alleviate mild stress and promote calm behavior when dogs are briefly left alone. These findings highlight a simple yet powerful way to enhance canine emotional wellbeing during unavoidable separations from their owners.
Source: Flint, H., Atkinson, M., Lush, J., Hunt, A. B. G., & King, T. (2023). Long-Lasting Chews Elicit Positive Emotional States in Dogs during Short Periods of Social Isolation. Animals, 13, published February 1, 2023.
