During this unprecedented time, and with lockdown set to continue, it can be difficult to know if it is ok to exercise your pet while social distancing and also how to do so safely.
Whilst we are sure our pets are happy to see even more of us than usual they still need regular exercise.
But what is social distancing? By now we should all understand the concept of only having physical contact with members of your own household, limiting venturing out to shops and keeping the safe 2m distancing advised by the government. For more information on this you can visit their website here.
Of course, there are many ways you can exercise your dog in the home, and you can do this to supplement a daily walk which may be shorter and less lively than usual.
Some ideas are:
PET PUZZLES – puzzle feeders are a good solution and can be used for treats or food. The PDSA also suggest (for those not afraid of a little mess) to create a destruction box – advice on creating one of these can be found here.
TRAINING AND FUN GAMES – Hide a treat in their favourite toy if this is possible or a treat next to it in a room and let them play a game of hide and seek or under a blanket to help them dig to find them (thanks PDSA for this great tip too). You could also use this opportunity to train your pup to follow more commands for when we’re all allowed to return to normal behaviour.
It is a good idea to keep your dog on the lead – whilst there is no evidence that dogs can catch or pass on Covid-19 to humans other than through potential transmission from others touching your dogs collars and leads it is safer to keep them on the lead, especially if your dog doesn’t have great recall.
Keep at least two meters away from others, even though this is difficult – it is for everyone’s benefit.
Poo bags are a must and hand sanitiser (60% alcohol content) is a bonus but if you don’t have any just remember to wash your hands for 20 seconds when you get home (you could always sing BINGO twice just to make sure whilst washing).
UNTIL THIS IS ALL OVER
Just remember, enjoy every minute you have with your pets and make the most of it, but if you are concerned about their health, and need advice, Broadreach Nature has joined up with PawSquad to offer 24/7 online access to live veterinary support via video and webchat (for any serious life threatening advice please reach out to your vet’s emergency number).
SOCIAL DISTANCING WITH PETS
During this unprecedented time, and with lockdown set to continue, it can be difficult to know if it is ok to exercise your pet while social distancing and also how to do so safely.
Whilst we are sure our pets are happy to see even more of us than usual they still need regular exercise.
But what is social distancing? By now we should all understand the concept of only having physical contact with members of your own household, limiting venturing out to shops and keeping the safe 2m distancing advised by the government. For more information on this you can visit their website here.
Of course, there are many ways you can exercise your dog in the home, and you can do this to supplement a daily walk which may be shorter and less lively than usual.
Some ideas are:
PET PUZZLES – puzzle feeders are a good solution and can be used for treats or food. The PDSA also suggest (for those not afraid of a little mess) to create a destruction box – advice on creating one of these can be found here.
TRAINING AND FUN GAMES – Hide a treat in their favourite toy if this is possible or a treat next to it in a room and let them play a game of hide and seek or under a blanket to help them dig to find them (thanks PDSA for this great tip too). You could also use this opportunity to train your pup to follow more commands for when we’re all allowed to return to normal behaviour.
We have healthy chews and grain free treats available on our site here.
GOING OUT FOR YOUR ONE WALK A DAY
It is a good idea to keep your dog on the lead – whilst there is no evidence that dogs can catch or pass on Covid-19 to humans other than through potential transmission from others touching your dogs collars and leads it is safer to keep them on the lead, especially if your dog doesn’t have great recall.
Keep at least two meters away from others, even though this is difficult – it is for everyone’s benefit.
Poo bags are a must and hand sanitiser (60% alcohol content) is a bonus but if you don’t have any just remember to wash your hands for 20 seconds when you get home (you could always sing BINGO twice just to make sure whilst washing).
UNTIL THIS IS ALL OVER
Just remember, enjoy every minute you have with your pets and make the most of it, but if you are concerned about their health, and need advice, Broadreach Nature has joined up with PawSquad to offer 24/7 online access to live veterinary support via video and webchat (for any serious life threatening advice please reach out to your vet’s emergency number).