Recent guidelines saying that we have to practice social distancing and stay home during the Coronavirus lockdown. This poses a lot of difficulties, but if you are a dog owner you may be additionally concerned about looking after your four-legged friend. Some people may have the option of sending their dog to stay with a friend or family member for the duration, in which case this is a wonderful option. However, for those without that option, below are some tips to keep Fido entertained.

Get active

If you have a garden, spend some time outside every day actively engaging with your dog. Ball throwing can help burn off steam – just be careful not to overdo it; the sudden stopping and turning can be harsh on joints, and even younger dogs are at risk of sprain injuries. Setting up an obstacle/agility course can be another fun way to exercise both mind and body… of dog and owner!

Engage your dog’s nose

Dogs have a phenomenal sense of smell – you can try hiding treats or toys around the house or garden for them to find. Or hide yourself and play ‘hide-and-seek’ with your hound.

Keep that brain active!

Mental exercise can be almost as tiring as physical exercise. Isolation could be the perfect time to try and teach your dog a few new tricks. Maybe you will finally be able to crack that obedience work you never quite had time for? Or you could get creative – perhaps you were inspired by Crufts and could teach your dog a heel work to music routine to wow friends with post isolation.

Ditch the food bowl

Instead of feeding out of a bowl, try to make mealtimes a more physically and mentally active affair. If you have interactive feeding/puzzle toys, get these out and start using them. If not, why not try to create your own using safe items around the house? Hide kibble under plastic cups that your dog has to turn over, or in empty toilet rolls/cardboard boxes that he has to search through. Even just sprinkled on the floor is a more entertaining than a bowl. Just make sure you are constantly supervising.

Make a ‘snuffle box’

Hide a toy or treat in a cardboard box covered with a blanket so Fido has to snuffle his way in to retrieve the item.

Have you got any other tips for keeping your dog safely entertained? Share them with your friends or on social media. Let’s all help each other and keep those isolated pups happy and healthy!

Wishing you well in these difficult times.

From all at Crossroads Veterinary Centre