In the midst of lockdowns and social distancing measures, our furry companions have become our steadfast allies, offering comfort and companionship during these challenging times. As we navigate through the uncertainties, it’s crucial to find creative ways to entertain and support our pets, ensuring their well-being and happiness. Join us on a journey to discover innovative and enjoyable ways to keep your pets engaged and thriving throughout the lockdown.
COVID-19 (coronavirus) has impacted the whole world. Countries are in full lockdown. Supermarkets are barely stocked. Shops, fast food, bars, and restaurants are all closed. Beauty salons, hairdressers, and many other businesses all closed. The majority of the world is now working from home. This is having a huge effect on mental health and well-being. But how is it affecting our pets? They’re not used to us being home all the time.
Dogs will find the lockdown just as challenging as we do. Why are you home? Why is my routine changing? Why are the kids here all the time, All Day Every Day?
Ralph and Rupert have absolutely loved having Isaac out of school but it has definitely changed the way they behave. We have had to alternate as a family on walks to ensure we stick to the 1-hour exercise a day. I have been working in the summer house, so they come to see what I am doing when they go into the garden. As a key worker, my role at home is more important than ever. Getting our customers to help with their energy bills during this pandemic is one of the most challenging times for us as a company.
We have tried to pull a few ideas together to help you with the support you can give to your doggies during this crisis. These ideas are great for you, your doggies, and your kids to play along with. Keeping everyone entertained during the lockdown.
- Hide and Seek: Nice and simple game. Get your doggie’s favourite treats & hide them. We have used empty dog food tins, plastic tubs, and different places in the room/garden. Dogs love the challenge of not just finding them but trying to get to the ones covered. Your kids will love this, too as they can easily help you hide the treats. Don’t use too many though, 1 is enough per hiding place
- Freezing Dog Treats: This is probably more for your own personal enjoyment but keeps your doggies very occupied. Place their favourite large treat (peanut butter cubes tend to work perfectly) in an empty ice cream tub. Fill it with water and freeze it. Once frozen let your doggie loose. This can take hours to unfreeze depending on the size of the tub.
- Dog Chew Toys: Indestructible chew toys and dog treat toys are other great forms of entertainment. Kongs and the likes keep your doggies dental hygiene and brain training going whilst you can relax and watch them work away.
- Command Training; Training your doggie during lockdown can quickly pass the time. If they aren’t already trained on basic commands such as sitting and lying down, this is the perfect opportunity to teach them. If they are already trained on basics, why not try more advanced such as rollover or even sing? My cousin’s dog throws his teddy and catches it. Sings to us and also dances. All this was before the lockdown.
Tips On Taking Care of your Pet
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Although we will never recommend stockpiling, it is always essential to ensure your doggies have enough food and chews. Dentastix comes in small packs but you can save money by buying larger boxes.
If you normally buy 1 bag of say 2.5kg of food, why not buy a larger bag maybe 5kg? This is not stockpiling but making sure you have enough should you not be able to go out.
Nerf Dog Toys are great for indoors and outdoors so check out the range of great products available. There are also a lot of cheaper toys that will entertain your doggie but might not last as long.
As for grooming, this can be a little more challenging. Dog groomers are not essential workers so getting that trim or nail clipped might not be as easy. There are many different options out there for you to do this yourself. Whilst in lockdown now is probably the time to teach yourself and your doggie that this is the norm. Check out our Grooming Tables, fur Clippers, Nail Clippers, and Hair Dryers available for your doggie along with a great range of shampoos.
A Pawsitively Bright Future:
In conclusion, as we adapt to the changing landscape of our daily lives, it’s heartening to witness the resilience and joy our pets bring to our homes. By embracing new activities, understanding their needs, and showering them with love, we not only entertain but also support our beloved furry friends through lockdowns. So, let’s embark on this adventure together, creating lasting memories and strengthening the unbreakable bond between us and our pets. Here’s to a pawsitively bright future filled with love, laughter, and endless tail wags!
Do not worry about your doggie in this global crisis. COVID-19 has caused many of us to change our day-to-day routines and your doggies will quickly adjust. Make sure they feel just as loved as they always have done. Ensure you take them for their daily exercise with you and always make sure they have something to entertain them.
Grooming your doggie can be quite stressful but if you are willing to give it a go and do it yourself can be very rewarding. Why not try? You could save yourself a lot of money in the long run if you get it right.