🎉🐾 Vet Guide 2025: New Enrichment Innovations for Small Pets — By Dr Duncan Houston

Enrichment is more than fun—it’s vital for your small pets’ physical and mental wellbeing. In this 2025 guide, I highlight the latest Oxbow additions—designed to promote natural instincts like running, exploring, hiding, digging, chewing, and resting. These interactive tools reduce boredom, support health, and strengthen the bond between you and your companion. 😊

1️⃣ Exercise Made Easy: Quiet Runners & Run & Hides

• 🔇 The new **Quiet Runners** (8″, 10″, 12″) offer nearly silent spinning to support cardiovascular fitness—great for indoor spaces :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• 🏃 **Run & Hides** combine exercise and refuge—pets can run through and retreat into their hide space for rest :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

2️⃣ Engagement Toys: Honeycomb Hide & Play, Mobile & Dig Box

• 🍯 **Honeycomb Hide & Play** provides chewable nooks to encourage digging, chewing, and foraging behavior :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• 🎐 The **Natural Activity Mobile** attaches to habitat ceilings, stimulating vertical exploration and play :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• 🌱 **Garden Dig Box** invites natural foraging—just sprinkle in hay or treats and let them explore :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

3️⃣ Puzzle Play: Wooden Puzzler & Triangle Tilt 'n Treat

• 🧩 **Wooden Puzzler** features cups hiding treats—pets use smell and touches to find them :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• 🔺 The **Triangle Tilt ’n Treat** encourages climbing or pushing to obtain treats—adds activity and enrichment :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

4️⃣ Natural Chews: Ox Blocks & Party Packs

• 🧱 **Ox Blocks** hangable and stackable wood blocks—great for chewing and play :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• 🎉 **Celebration & Timothy Party Packs** are fun assortments of chewables—cheerful and natural :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

5️⃣ Rest & Relaxation: Timothy Huts & Floor Mats

• 🏠 **Timothy Huts** are cozy hideouts made of compressed hay—great for downtime and nesting :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• 🛋 The new **washable floor mats** are fleece‑layered for comfy lounging inside or outside habitats :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

6️⃣ Why These Matter: Wellbeing & Behavior

• 🧠 These enrichment items fulfill key instincts—chewing, hiding, exploring, foraging—reducing stress and boredom.
• ❤️ Using them daily helps prevent destructive behavior, supports weight management, and deepens the owner–pet bond.
• 🧭 Rotate toys to maintain novelty—introduce 2–3 at a time, switch out weekly, and observe preferences.

📌 Dr Duncan Houston’s Enrichment Setup Checklist

1. Include a Quiet Runner or Run & Hide in daily routine
2. Add one engagement toy (e.g., Honeycomb Play or Puzzle Puzzler)
3. Provide chewable natural blocks or party packs for dental wear
4. Set up a dig box weekly with hay or safe substrate
5. Rotate toys and change locations for novelty
6. Offer cozy resting spots—Timothy Huts or floor mats
7. Monitor use and condition; remove dangerous pieces
8. Use Ask A Vet if pets avoid toys or show stress behaviors

🌈 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Enrichment shapes happier, healthier, more confident small pets. The new Oxbow accessory line—loaded with silent runners, tunnel-hides, puzzle feeders, chewables, foraging boxes, and cozy huts—supports core instincts while reducing stress and encouraging healthy routines. Rotate, supervise, and share playtime for a deeper bond and vibrant life. Download the Ask A Vet app if you need personalized enrichment guidance. Here’s to enrich their world and strengthen your connection! 🐾📱