Looking after your pet in lockdown
More time at home means we get to spend more time with our pets. While it’s easy to get busy with work, taking care of the kids, or watching the latest series on Netflix, this is precious time and we need to make sure our pets are doing OK as well.
Lockdowns can be difficult for both pets and their owners as the sudden change in schedule can be a challenging transition. So, here are some tips to make your pets life a bit easier during lockdown.
It’s important to keep your pets mentally stimulated so try to keep them entertained and help your pets with any anxiety they may be feeling during lockdown.
Pets who are bored can develop destructive habits and may vent their frustrations on items like your furniture. Dogs, in particular, will often display behaviours such as excessive barking, digging and restlessness when bored.
If your pets are showing signs of these troublesome behaviours, it may be a sign of a lack of mental stimulation. To help bust boredom during lockdown, you can incorporate some challenges into their daily activities.
Pets usually have it quite simple when it comes to meals, with the bulk of us just placing their food down and waiting for them to get stuck into work. A good place to start is by changing your pet’s feeding schedule if you want to add more intellectual stimulation to their routine.
Using food dispensing toys can also add in an extra challenge for your pets during mealtime. There are quite a few options to check out at pet stores.
Use some interactive toys
To keep your pet busy throughout the day, why not invest in a doggy board game or a canine puzzle. You can also play makeshift games which focus on memory with your pets.
A great way to keep your pets incentivised is using toys which allow treats to be hidden inside so your pet will need to use their brain to figure out how to get them out!
Stay active
We know it’s not always possible to given the current climate but depending on lockdown restrictions, maintaining a consistent routine for your dog’s walks is an essential part of helping them adjust.
Allowing your dog time to explore around and locate safe spots to wander and run freely helps make every walk exciting.
This can be a difficult time but remember to take advantage of this opportunity to unwind at home with your pet. You may find it’s one of the best things about lockdown – spending more quality time with your pet!
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