The world has changed a lot these past few months. We are all dealing with this crisis, and some of you may be wondering what this means for your dog.
The first thing that we should mention is that there is no evidence that dogs can become ill from, or spread, COVID-19. To quote the American Veterinary Medical Association…
While it is certainly good news that our pets cannot spread or get sick from this virus, there are still a few factors you should consider about this situation and how it could impact your dog.
Make sure that you have enough food and required medications for a 2 week period for your dog. This does not mean that you should go out and buy up large amounts of everything, but rather just make sure you have the supplies that you need.
Find out if your vet clinic is still open, what their policies are, and do the same for your closest emergency vet. Our dogs don’t know that we are in the middle of a pandemic, and medical emergencies can still arise. Being prepared will mean you don’t have to panic if something does happen with your pet. Please respect the policies of your veterinarian, even if they make things a little more inconvenient for you.
Have a plan for your dog if you get sick, have to be quarantined, or have to be hospitalized. Make sure that you have a designated person who can take care of your dog if needed. Make sure that this person is aware of your dog’s routines and needs.
Take some time to learn basic grooming skills for your dog, if you have not already. Groomers may be shut down during the period where you would normally get your dog groomed. You can clean ears, clip nails, brush, and bathe your dog at home if needed. Good, consistent brushing can also extend the amount of time that your dog needs to go between getting clipped.
You need to make sure that your dog is still getting plenty of activity. If you are stuck inside, make sure to challenge your dog with mental activities. Obedience training, tricks, scent work, interactive toys, and other similar activities are great for this. Please reach out if you need any suggestions on how to incorporate these for your dog.
Behavior issues can crop up if your dog’s routine is disrupted. Dogs who get used to you being home might develop seperation anxiety when you go back to work. Make sure to include structured crate time or other alone time during the day for your dog. This may seem silly, but it can make a huge difference in your dog’s stress level when the world returns to normal.
We are offering more content and information weekly to help people get through this very challenging time. Fill out the form below to be added to this program. Items we are covering include: activities for your dog and your kid while school is closed, good interactive toy options for power chewers, burning off energy when you are stuck at home, and having a good emergency plan for your dog.
