DEAR PET TALK: My dog is bored with all her toys — and it’s Valentine’s Day! Any suggestions for a good gift? Dog Mama

DEAR DOG MAMA: As mentioned in a recent column — dogs have the greatest sniffing skills in the world — 10,000 times more powerful than our noses. And they are smart and sentient creatures. The world of “enrichment” for canines (and felines) has exploded in the past five years — much to the joy of pets and their owners. My observation is that a lot of people who loved animals got very creative during the Covid Lockdown.

There are five categories of “enrichment” for dogs: sensory, occupational, physical, social, and nutritional. A dog who gets her dinner in a “puzzle bowl” has to work a little harder, and will eat a little slower. She’ll also have to figure out how to extract bits of kibble from tight corners. So that item covers nutritional, occupation, and sensory enrichment

Making sure your dog has enough social time — and some dogs really need to spend time with other dogs — is important too. However, if you’re snowed in (again), and your dog has sniffed enough snow piles, you might try a new enrichment toy: the Busy Blanket.

This is an attractive patchwork quilt with 20 (!) pockets (in a charming array of dog-themed patterns such as bones, hydrants, paws, etc). You can hide a treat in the pockets, and inventor Sheena Larsen of Salt Lake City, Utah recommends using a variety of very small treats, so your dog won’t over-eat. She also recommends spending time with your dog so they learn how to push a snout or paw into the pockets, which are deep.

Sheena was inspired by her 12-year-old lab, Spirit, who found a fresh zest for life with the invention. She explains: “this snuffle mat is designed to engage dogs’ natural foraging instincts and bring enrichment to their daily lives. The Busy Blanket enhances a dog’s quality of life by promoting mental stimulation, easing boredom, and encouraging their most joyful behavior.” Order online at: thepeppypup.com.

I can attest to the success of this product — which also attracted the attention of our dog’s little feline brothers. (Hey, a treat’s a treat, right?) For people who work during the day and are not able to avail themselves of doggie day-care, the Busy Blanket definitely provides excitement and stimulation.

Besides, Valentine’s Day may be over, but there are more pet holidays every month — “Love Your Pet Day,” on Feb. 20, and “Walk Your Dog Day,” on Feb. 22. Let’s keep those gifts rolling!

Sally Cragin is the director of Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education. Send questions to sallycragin@gmail.com