Abstract
ABSTRACT: Environmental enrichment is a dynamic process consisting of a set of activities designed to meet the ethological and psychological needs of animals. It stimulates the natural behavior of each animal species improving the well-being of the individual and avoiding the development of stereotyped behaviors. The present study aimed to assess the potential benefits that four different types of environmental enrichment would bring to the quality of life of shelter dogs. Twenty dogs were observed for 6 hours daily for 5 consecutive days in the first week in order to assess and document their behavior patterns in an experimental kennel. Between the second to the fourth week, 3 forms of game and 1 type of food enrichment were used in the first 4 days of each week. On the fifth day of each week, behavioral patterns were recorded and later compiled and analyzed according to the Tukey test. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in behaviors associated with lying down, standing up, and licking. Based on our findings, we concluded that the use of environmental enrichment methods through different types of games and toys in shelters decreased signs of depression and stereotyped behavior of kennelled dogs. Results of the present study showed that these tools may help improve life quality of these animals.
Highlights
Environmental enrichment is a method that improves the quality of life of animals in captivity including kennelled dogs
Others, and apathy (WIELEBNOWSKI et al, 2002). These are some examples of abnormal behavior which may be manifested in animals in captivity and are considered stereotypical
Based on the observations on week zero (0), sitting, lying, lifting, growling, and licking were behavioral patterns that were considered by the authors as essential in the evaluation since the reduction or increase of each of these behavior patterns would favor the introduction of environmental enrichment in the kennels
Summary
Environmental enrichment is a method that improves the quality of life of animals in captivity including kennelled dogs. Physical and physiological welfare indicators are influenced by environment stimulation. Environmental enrichment is a method that provides better living conditions to animals (BOERE, 2001). BLOOMSMITH et al (1991) classifies five types of environmental enrichment: (1) Social enrichment; (2) Occupational enrichment; (3) Physical enrichment; (4) Sensorial enrichment; (5) Nutritional enrichment. Environmental enrichment benefits include stress reduction and decrease of behavioral disorders (CARLSTEAD & SHEPHERDSON, 2000) such as pacing (DE ROUCK et al, 2005), licking, food regurgitation (LYONS et al, 1997), hiding from. V.49, n.1, others, and apathy (WIELEBNOWSKI et al, 2002). These are some examples of abnormal behavior which may be manifested in animals in captivity and are considered stereotypical
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