How to exercise and entertain your pet during COVID-19

Strange times are upon us. With the World Health Organisation declaring COVID-19 (a type of coronavirus) a pandemic, many of us are finding ourselves stuck at home in an effort to practise social distancing or, if we exhibit symptoms, self isolate. This means a lot of our lives are up in the air. Bars, restaurants, pools and theatres are closing, travel bans have been implemented in most countries and most businesses have shifted to a work-from-home model. India is recommending a social distancing model until March 31st at the very least in an effort to control the spread of virus.

In times like these, taking care of our pets will also undergo a change. In this time of social distancing and self-isolation, keeping your pets at home and keeping them healthy and entertained is important. Here’s what you need to know about taking care of your pet.

Can pets catch coronavirus?

We did a blog [TM1] on this recently: feel free to check it out for full details. But in short: no. As of now, it’s believed pets cannot catch the virus. That being said, be extra cautious when playing with your pet. If you’re infected, have another member of your household take care of them, feed them, play with them, etc. If you have a service dog and are the only one who can take care of them, wear a mask, no kisses on the face, and always wash your hands before and after interacting with them.

Exercising your pet

Where you can take your pet out for a walk may change in the coming months. As of now, Mumbai is keeping all beaches and parks open , but no one knows when that decision may change. Similarly, parks are open in Bangalore but the numbers of visitors have dropped , as people are exercising restraint. If you need to take your dog out for a walk in the park, make sure you stay as isolated as possible and wear a mask. Disinfect your dog’s paws with paw wipes when you return home; this is where most of the dirt and germs accumulate, and cleaning them is necessary to keep a clean home.

If you can’t take your dog out for walk because you’re self-isolating, try running up and down stairs with them. If you live in an apartment without stairs, clear a section of your house and play catch with them or chase them around the dinner table. What’s essential is to make sure they get a good dose of running and are moderately tired out.

Entertaining your pet

We get it; being stuck at home can drive a person mad. Pets are no different; they need fresh air, exercise and stimulation. Still, there are ways to keep your pet entertained in doors such that they don’t get frustrated. Here are some good ideas of how to pass the time.

Mind games

We don’t mean jedi mind tricks—just good old-fashioned games designed to work out your dog’s cognitive ability. We focus so much a pet’s level of physical exercise, exercising their mental muscles can fall through the cracks. This can be a great time to get them sharpening their cognitive abilities.

Here are some ways you can work out your dog’s mental muscles:

· Treasure hunt: This one is a favourite. Get your dog to smell an item (such as their favourite stuffed toy, or a sock) and then hide that item. If your dog finds it, give them a treat. You can up the level of difficulty on this by first hiding the toy in the room, close to them, and then in other rooms further and further away, so they have to hunt for it.

· Hide and seek: This is, in a way, the human version of a treasure hunt (if you too are going stir-crazy, this is a great way to keep yourself entertained). You’ll need your partner to help you. Have your partner hold your pet as you disappear into the next room and then wait (quietly) while your pet comes find you. Give them treats! Give yourself some cake as well, for hiding effectively.

· Smell the treat: Place a treat in your hand and place both palms, open, in front of your dog. Make sure they get a good sniff (and that they know they can’t eat the treat as yet). Now close your fists and place your hands behind your back. Switch the treat between hands and offer your closed fists to your dog. If they identify the fist with the treat, reward them! If not, keep going till they get it. It’s a great way for your dog to work on their sense of smell.

Tricks

If you’ve ever lamented not training your dog properly—well, here’s your chance. Social distancing means you now have plenty of time on your hands; chances are, you’ll also be working from home, so you’ll see plenty of your pet. Get online and scroll through some tricks you’d love to teach your dog. Make sure you have plenty of treats on hand to positively reinforce your teachings, and be patient! You both have all the time in the world.

Obstacle courses

We will never stop singing the praises of obstacles courses. Not only are they fun for your dog, but they’re fun for you too (planning an obstacle course is great). They help work out a range of capabilities for your dog: their agility, speed, cognitive ability, sight. And they increase the bond between you and your canine, as you help them through all the obstacles you’ve planned.

Now, most people believe obstacle courses are usually outdoors. That isn’t true. You can set up excellent obstacle course at home, like this one. All they’ve used is chairs and tables. So don’t worry too much about fancy accessories; there’s plenty for you to work with already. You can rearrange the furniture depending on your pet’s level of training and just up the difficulty as time goes by.

Pet supplies

Because social distancing calls for you to go out as infrequently as possible, keep your pet in mind while doing your weekly shop. That will eliminate the need to pop out for those short, frequent store visits one tends to do when we’ve forgotten something. Remember, several pet stores deliver online, including The Pet Project. We deliver all across India, so if you find yourself running out of dog food or pet medical supplies, just pop onto our website and get it delivered to you.

Don’t worry

We know times are hard. COVID-19 has been stressful for most of us, especially with the uncertainty regarding how long it will escalate for. But there are small silver linings to all storms, and this one here is that you’re home with your dog and cat, and you have the time to play with them and love them. Love them, and let them love you.