What Activities Can I Do With My Dog During COVID19?
Are you guys taking your dogs out for countless walks?? Yeah, me too. We’re all adjusting to this new way of life for the next few weeks, so here are some activities you can incorporate for your pets.
HIDE AND SEEK
This is a great mental activity for pets, and you can get your kids involved in this game as well! “Hide” food treats in different places in a room, and have your pup find them! I use carrots or apple slices, and put them in fairly obvious places (on their beds, in plain sight in front of fireplace, by the door etc) while my dogs are in the other room. I bring them in once I’ve hidden the treats and say “OK!” (which is their signal for eating), or you can point out certain areas where the treats are hidden to give a clue to your dog. Its kind of like a mini Easter Egg Hunt!PLAY DOCTOR
Learn how to do a physical exam on your pup to help you know what their baseline normal is, and get your pet used to you looking in their mouth, ears, patting down their backs, flexing their limbs etc. Get your kids involved! They’ll love playing Veterinarian. See this link for more in depth info on how to do an exam.MAKE A FROZEN TREAT
Use ice cube trays and freeze yogurt, kefir with berries or even chopped veggies, bone broth, or pumpkin puree for a fun treat. The ice cube trays are great because it’s a small bite sized snack, and it’ll keep for a while. This is a perfect introduction to real food, if you aren’t already adding in fresh veggies, fruits, grains, and lean meats into your pet’s diet.NEW TRICKS
This takes consistency, so what better time then when your whole family is home altogether to help reinforce manners, or to teach them a new trick. Sit, stay, shake, roll over – these all take time and practice. We are teaching our two dogs how to stay out of the kitchen while we are preparing meals. We’re a week in of daily practice, and it’s finally starting to stick!TEETH BRUSHING
Brushing your pet’s teeth is a simple task, but it is not an easy one. The more you do it, the easier it will get, and it’ll become part of your routine! Aim for 1 minute, but even if you start off with just 15-30 seconds as both you and your pet adjust to this new interaction, you’re ahead of the game. Twice a week would be great – a weekend brushing, and a mid-week brush! Use a soft bristled tooth brush, a dog specific toothpaste, or just coconut oil and baking soda. This link can be helpful.DANCE PARTY!!
Put on some music and dance with your pet! I try to do this during my afternoon slump to boost my mood, and to spend time with my pups. They think I’m nuts, but they also secretly love it!!