is 6 and a half inches big

DIY SNUFFLE BALL FOR DOGS

The snuffle ball for dogs is gaining popularity as an enriching and fun activity for our furry friends. But what exactly is a snuffle ball, and how can it enhance your dog’s daily life? To answer that, we need to start with their incredible nose.

A dog’s nose is truly extraordinary—far more powerful than a human’s, by a factor of 10,000 to 100,000! While you might catch the delicious aroma of a freshly baked pizza, your pup can detect every single ingredient.

When you take your dog on a walk, you may be busy admiring the scenery, but your dog is likely focused on the ground, sniffing out all the fascinating scents around them. Sniffing is how dogs explore their world, gather information, and even read messages left by other dogs (known as “pee-mail”). Plus, it’s just plain enjoyable for them!

This is where a snuffle ball comes in—it’s designed to stimulate your dog’s powerful sense of smell. Why is that important? Sniffing isn’t just fun for dogs; it’s also mentally engaging. It activates their nose and a significant part of their brain, helping to burn off energy and promote relaxation. Enrichment activities like using a snuffle ball can transform sniffing into a rewarding and calming experience for your dog.

WHAT IS A SNUFFLE BALL FOR DOGS?

Still wondering, “What exactly is a snuffle ball?” Think of it as a puzzle for your pup! A snuffle ball is a toy made of fabric, with treats hidden inside the folds. Your dog uses their powerful sense of smell to sniff out the treats and figure out how to access them. It’s an excellent enrichment tool that keeps your dog engaged and entertained, offering both mental stimulation and physical activity, which can help tire them out over time.

HOW TO USE A SNUFFLE BALL FOR DOGS

Using a snuffle ball is simple and fun for both you and your dog! First, grab some of your dog’s regular food or their favorite treats. Hide them inside the folds of the fabric in the snuffle ball. Once it’s filled, hand the ball over to your dog and let them use their nose to sniff out the hidden snacks. It’s a great way to provide mental stimulation and keep your pup entertained as they work to uncover their treats!

HOW TO MAKE SNUFFLE BALL FOR DOGS

SNUFFLE BALL MATERIALS

To make your own DIY snuffle ball for dogs, you’ll need the following materials:

  • 1.5 yards of fabric (fleece is a great choice)
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Piece of cardboard
  • Zip ties or string (4 pieces, each 8 inches long)
  • Sandpaper or hot glue gun (if you’re using zip ties)
  • Xacto knife (optional, for precise cuts)

INSTRUCTION

Ready to create your own DIY snuffle ball for dogs? Follow these 10 easy steps:

Step 1: Start by cutting the fleece into 32 circles, each with an 8-inch diameter. To make this easier, use a piece of cardboard as a template for cutting. If you prefer a bigger or smaller snuffle ball, feel free to adjust the diameter of the circles accordingly to fit your desired size for the finished ball.

    Step 2: Take each of the fleece circles and fold them in half, then fold them in half again to form a cone shape. This will create a layered, compact fold that will help conceal the treats inside once the ball is assembled.

    Step 3: Take the end of your scissors or an Xacto knife and carefully cut a small hole, about ¾ inch from the bottom of each cone shape. Make sure to cut through all four layers of the fabric to ensure the hole is big enough for the zip ties or string to pass through later.

    Step 4: Take 8 of your folded fleece circles and slide them onto the string or zip tie. Once they’re all on, tie the string or zip tie loosely, leaving some extra room for the fabric to move freely. This will allow the fabric to form a ball shape as you continue building the snuffle ball.



    Step 5: Add 8 more of the folded fleece pieces onto your second string or zip tie. Before you close the zip tie or tie a knot in the string, make sure to slip it through the first string or zip tie so that the two are linked together. This will help connect the layers and form the base of your snuffle ball.


    Step 6: Repeat step 5 for the remaining two sets of folded fleece circles, adding 8 more pieces to each string or zip tie and linking them together as you go.

    Step 7: Once all the layers are linked and positioned, tighten the zip ties or re-knot the strings to secure everything in place, shaping the fabric into a ball.

    Step 8: Trim any excess ends of the string or zip ties to give the snuffle ball a neat, finished look.

    Step 9: If you used zip ties, gently soften the sharp ends with sandpaper, or apply a small amount of hot glue over the ends to ensure they are smooth and safe for your dog to play with. This will prevent any potential injuries while they enjoy their new snuffle ball.

      Step 10: Now that your snuffle ball is complete, fill it with your pup’s favorite treats or their kibble. Once it’s all packed, let your dog sniff out and enjoy the treats hidden inside—watching them have fun and engage their sense of smell!



      PEPPERMINT KISS ROSE LIP BALM

      Today, we’re transforming roses into a delightful lip balm!

      To get started, you’ll need rose petals. You can either collect fresh petals from roses in your garden (ensure they’re pesticide-free) or purchase dried, organic petals online from sources like Mountain Rose Herbs.

      If you’re using fresh roses, start by spreading the petals in a single layer on a paper towel or brown paper bag. Let them air dry for a few days to remove any moisture. This step helps prevent excess water, which could cause the oil to spoil more quickly.

      Once the petals are fully dried, we’ll create a rose-infused oil, just like we did for the Rose Petal Salve a few weeks ago.

      Make the Rose Infused Oil

      Fill a jar with dried rose petals, aiming to fill it about halfway to three-quarters full. The size of the jar you use will depend on how many petals you have. For a small batch, use a smaller jar; for a larger amount, opt for a bigger one.

      Exact measurements aren’t crucial here—you just want to fill the jar with dried petals and then cover them with oil.

      As for the oil, the choice is yours! I personally prefer Olive Oil or Sunflower Oil for lip balms, but other oils like Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, or Apricot Kernel Oil will also work beautifully.

      Choose the Slow Method or Quick Method

      For the slow method, cover the top of your jar with a few layers of cheesecloth and secure it with a rubber band. Place the jar in a dark cabinet and let it sit for 3 to 4 weeks to infuse.

      For the fast method, gently set the jar into a pan with a few inches of warm water. Heat it slowly over medium-low heat, keeping the burner on for 1 to 2 hours. Afterward, remove the jar and let it cool.

      Once your oil has infused, you can strain it and use it for your lip balm, or you can let it continue to infuse for several more days in a dark cabinet.

      If you want a stronger infusion, you can strain the oil and then repeat the process with a fresh batch of rose petals, using the same oil. This technique is called a double infusion.

      Your strained rose-infused oil will have a shelf life of about a year. For best results, store it in a cool, dark place.

      Peppermint Rose Lip Balm Recipe

      • 1 tablespoon shea butter (.5 oz by weight)
      • 2.5 tablespoons (1 oz by weight) rose infused oil (use about 1 tablespoon more for tins)
      • 1/2 tablespoon castor oil
      • 1 tablespoon beeswax (.4 oz by weight)
      • powdered alkanet root (for natural color)
      • 15 or so drops of peppermint essential oil

      Pour a small amount of the rose-infused oil into a bowl or cup and gradually mix in alkanet powder, adding it a little at a time until you form a thick, dark red paste. Set this aside; it will provide a natural color for your lip balm.

      Next, place the remaining oils, wax, and shea butter into a heatproof jar or measuring cup. Set the container into a pan with a few inches of water and heat it over low heat, just below a simmer, until the wax and shea butter have melted.

      Remove the jar from the heat and slowly stir in the alkanet paste, adding tiny dabs at a time until you achieve the desired color (less for a pink hue, more for a deeper red).

      Finally, add a few drops of peppermint essential oil for a refreshing scent. Once everything is well mixed, pour the mixture into lip balm tubes, tins, or sliders and let it set. Enjoy your homemade peppermint rose lip balm!

      Notes:

      This ratio of oils and beeswax provides a good consistency for lip balm tubes. If you’re using tins, you might want to add up to another tablespoon of oil to make it easier to use.

      For a vegan version, substitute candelilla wax for the beeswax. In this recipe, use about 1/2 tablespoon of candelilla wax in place of the 1 tablespoon of beeswax.

      Castor oil is a key ingredient that gives your lip balm a glossy, smooth finish, so try to include it if possible.

      You can also swap the shea butter for other butters like mango or cocoa butter if you prefer.

      If you don’t have peppermint essential oil or don’t want to use it, you can either omit it or replace it with other flavors like spearmint or sweet orange.

      If you’re not a fan of roses, feel free to substitute with another edible flower or herb, such as violet leaves, lemon balm, mint leaves, or calendula.

      For more ideas on customizing your lip balm recipes, check out my post: How to Create Custom Lip Balms.

      Please note: If you’re pregnant, alkanet root may be contraindicated for you. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for professional advice.

      conclusion

      In conclusion, making your own rose-infused lip balm is a fun and customizable way to create a natural, nourishing product for your lips. Whether you choose the slow or fast infusion method for your rose oil, the possibilities for customization are endless. You can experiment with different oils, waxes, butters, and scents to create a lip balm that perfectly suits your preferences. Remember, if you’re pregnant, it’s important to check with a healthcare provider before using certain ingredients like alkanet root. Enjoy the process and the smooth, moisturizing results of your homemade lip balm!