3 Tips to Take Care of Your Dog During a Pandemic
Your dogs dream has come true. You are stuck at home. There is no waiting at the door for 9 hours watching the handle for your return. However, following the protocol for social distancing and/or isolation may interfere with your dogs plans for all your quality time together. Keep the following tips in mind as we go through these trying times. Always check current guidelines to stay updated.
Ensure Your Dog Is Getting Adequate Physical and Mental Activity
If it is safe to do so and falls under the current protocols, you can still walk your dog if you follow the recommended social distancing measures. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after your walk and ensure you or your dog don’t encounter other people. Although it appears that dogs can’t catch the current coronavirus, if we are unknowingly carrying the virus and pet our dog, someone else who decides to pet your dog could pick it up. If you do go out walking, avoid high traffic areas and keep away from dog parks at this time.
Keep in mind that mental stimulation is just as important. Take this time to spend extra time playing games with your dog in the house. Hide treats (in moderation) for a scavenger hunt, play tug a war and enjoy those extra snuggles.
Keep Eating Habits and Mealtimes on Routine
Like most humans, dogs thrive on routine. Keeping their food and meals on your typical routine will give them the feeling of security and predictability. All our routines have been disrupted, so ensuring your keep your dogs on as much of a routine as possible with help them cope with the ongoing changes. Try not to give your dog too many treats while you’re at home, keeping them in optimal health will help all of you get through these times.
Supplies
As you have seen in the media there has been an unfortunate frantic frenzy to stock up on supplies for everyone. You do not need to rush to Costco and buy every bag of dog food on the floor. Ensuring you always have a two-week supply is a good measure to abide to. It is crucial that you have sufficient prescriptive medication for your pets along with any preventative medication (flea, tick and heart-worm medications) to keep your pet healthy during this time.
It is well known the benefit pets can have on our overall well-being. Enjoy that unconditional love of your pets right now, it is precious. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates and current protocols on the services we are continuing to offer, such as dog walking, daycare and grooming for dogs.
