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In the midst of the coronavirus lockdown and self-isolation, it’s not just us that are having to adapt to a new way of living. Our pets will have their own routines, and with us now at home they’re having to get used to this new way of living too.
Spending more time with our furry or feathered friends is undoubtedly great for both us and them. But naturally, you’ll want to find something fun to do with your time, and want to keep them happy and healthy. To help you out, we’ve come up with some ways to keep your pet entertained indoors during this challenging time.
All dog owners know how sociable and active dogs are. The coronavirus lockdown may have left you worried about how you’ll keep your dog entertained, but there are plenty of things to do.
Teaching your dog new commands or even tricks is a great way to pass the time. Not only will this help develop the communication between you, but it’s great for bonding and exercise. If you have space in your garden, why not set up some obstacles to make a home-made agility course? But, don't worry if you have a small garden; there are lots of fun tricks you and your dog can learn together indoors. The great thing about learning tricks or agility skills is that you can enter competitions together at country shows once the lockdown is lifted.
The Your Dog website has some great articles and videos to help you teach your dog new commands, tricks and agility skills.
And don’t forget, you (and your dog) are still able to go on one walk a day, so long as you remain at least 2 metres from other people. During this period, it is also advisable to keep your dog on a lead. Even the most well-trained dogs could become spooked by something and run off. While this wouldn’t necessarily cause a problem normally, due to the government guidelines and lockdown conditions you wouldn’t be able to gather together a group to search for them. This could cause problems for other people, and of course means it could take far longer to reunite you and your beloved dog.
In light of recent reports suggesting that cats may be able to catch coronavirus, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) are now advising cat owners in self-isolating or infected households to keep their cats indoors. As cats are usually very independent, especially cats who are free to come and go from the house as they please, this change is likely to distress them.
Having more people in their home than normal during the day will also be unusual for them. These changes to their environment and routine may even cause them to exhibit some problem behaviour, such as scratching or excessive meowing. Having more people in their home than normal during the day will also be unusual for them. These changes to their environment and routine may even cause them to exhibit some problem behaviour, such as scratching or excessive meowing.
If your cat is a little wary of you and others in the household or exhibits problem behaviour, try not to be upset. Cats like routine and certainty, so once they’re used to the new routine they will settle down. If your cat is finding it particularly stressful, you could consider using a calming product to help them feel more at ease, as you would during stressful situations like fireworks or vet visits.
To help your cat get used to having you around more, why not dust off the old toys you bought when you first brought them home? Playing with your cat is a lovely way to bond, plus it’s a great way to help keep them active and engaged. If you can’t find any old toys, you can always create your own – why not try a game of ‘paw-ball’ using scrunched up paper balls?
For small animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, the changes brought about by the coronavirus lockdown are not as obvious, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
More people in the home means more noise, particularly if you have children. For indoor rabbits, guinea pigs or other animals, the noise and activity may be unsettling. If your indoor pets have a dedicated area of the house to themselves, try to minimise access to help keep their routines as normal as possible.
There are also plenty of home-made small animal toys you can make. This activity will not only help give you or your children something to do, but your pet can benefit from a toy to keep them amused as well!
The PDSA has put together some ideas for home-made rabbit toys.
It’s not only us grown-ups and our pets that are stuck at home; for many people they’re now acting as both a parent and a teacher. If you have children at home, why not take this opportunity to help them learn more about their pets and how to look after them?
Teaching children how to groom their pets or clean their small animal’s house are great skills for them to have. It’s also a great way to encourage responsibility and improve the bond between them and their pet.
This blog was last amended 8th April 2020. All information correct at time of publishing. For the most up-to-date government guidance on coronavirus, please visit the official government website: gov.uk/coronavirus