Fun ways to entertain your pets while in quarantine!

Everyone knows that these times have been tough to our morale.
It is hard to be out of work, stuck at home.
One way to keep entertained, playing with our pets.

Source: On Demand News

On Demand News 

Helping Your Dog Survive During a Quarantine
Quarantine means no one goes out — and that includes your pup, unless you have a private outdoor space for them. Here’s how to help your dog thrive while you’re both stuck indoors.




Credit...Corey Jenkins/Getty Images
By Sassafras Lowrey
March 17, 2020

The only good thing about Covid-19 is that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.), World Health Organization (W.H.O.) and other experts are in agreement that there are no meaningful signs that our pets can get this virus or spread it. That said, although our pets aren’t getting sick, Covid-19 is changing the lives of pets across the country, especially for dogs and in particular those living in apartments.

Prepare properly
If you are not yet quarantined and have time to prepare, think beyond toilet paper and instead, about supplies for your pets that you need to have on hand.

Heather Loenser, D.V.M. and senior veterinary officer at the American Animal Hospital Association, expressed concern that many pet owners weren’t going to be prepared with the supplies that they might need if they weren’t able to leave their homes for a couple of weeks. Pet food and cleaning supplies should be at the top of your list for things to stock up on. Dr. Loenser also advises pet guardians to plan to have extra monthly preventive medication for conditions like flea, tick and heartworm, as well as any prescription medication and specialty diets that your pet may need. If you are not yet needing to quarantine and your pet hasn’t been to the vet in a while, now is a good time to go and make sure that your pet is up-to-date on all vaccines.

The potty problem
A primary issue for urban dogs who are quarantined with their owners is the inability to go outside to relieve themselves. This is particularly concerning for dogs who live in apartments and who, under normal circumstances, must be walked multiple times a day, as opposed to dogs in other parts of the country who are able to use their private yards. Under quarantine dogs in apartments are going to need to do their business inside.

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Source: NY Times

Coronavirus: Your Pet Is Your Saviour During Quarantine

Human beings are creatures built to thrive on social interaction and practicing self-isolation and working from home in the midst of a countrywide lockdown can have an impact on our mental health. In places like New York City, a place that is fast turning into the next epicentre, people are turning to fostering pets to help them during these tough times. And rescue centers say that they’re finding it hard to find enough rescues to match at this moment. That is a small ray of sunshine.

Dealing With Mental Stress

It’s okay and natural to be worried during these times but your pet can help take that edge off the feeling. Take your dog out for a quick walk and watch them appreciate the little things around them – new smells, objects. Watch your kittens and their boundless enthusiasm over a little ball of string. These can put your life into perspective and reduce stress levels. But it’s not just your furry four-legged friends that can help with the stress. Studies have shown that aquarium watching can help you feel calmer and reduce stress too. 

How Much Social Interaction Is Good For Pets Now

When you take your dog out for a walk, remember to keep it short and stay local. Make sure you keep their social interaction to the minimum. While a passing stranger might want to scratch your dog’s ear, it’s better to avoid it now. While there isn’t enough evidence to suggest that your pet can contract the coronavirus, the virus could live on their fur and collar and get transmitted to you and your family. It is something that’s easily avoidable. Instead, try to get some activity at home.

Focus On Their Needs Too

During these times, do not make it all about how your pets can help you and ensure that you pay attention to their needs as well. Groom them, keep them fresh, whip up something new in the kitchen for them and they will be happy; do not forget that even they cannot head to their favourite park, take a long walk and meet their friends. They do not ask for much and they have only got you. Even if you do not have huge space, simple games like hide and seek, tug and getting your dog to find his treats hidden across the house will help you bond better and keep them mentally sharp as a bonus. It’s is also a great time to teach them new tricks. These activities will also ensure that you remain active and not slouched on your couch working overtime or watching the telly. 

Is It The Time To Be Extra Indulgent With Your Pets

While we are used to being in the company of others for most part of the day, our pets are usually the ones who find themselves alone at home and they will be thrilled to have us all to themselves during this period. This extra time also gives us the opportunity to make up for all the lost time but try not to be extra indulgent. Remember that once the lockdown ends and you get back to your earlier life, your pets may have it the hardest since they have got used to you being around and suddenly you are not. Try and keep to a routine with them and give them their space and independence during this period. Be prepared to deal with separation anxiety when the situation changes. 

What If They Are Unwell

While pet clinics and hospitals are essential services and allowed to remain open for emergencies, your quick run to the vet may not be that simple. Floap is working with doctors across the country to facilitate e-consultations and home visits to help you and your buddy rest easier. So, do not try and read up symptoms online, make your own diagnosis and medicate them. Take the help of expert advice when it’s actually available. 

What If You Test Positive

This is probably the biggest worry that pet parents have to deal with right now. And unfortunately, there is not a perfect answer anywhere. While your pets may not necessarily be at risk from the infection, if you are tested positive, they could be a carrier or source of the virus for others. If you aren’t hospitalised, then you will have to restrict contact with your pet. If you live alone or get hospitalised, your pet will need someone to care for them. Close friends or family could be a source of temporary living arrangements for your pet. In the meantime, Floap is actively working with Non-government organizations and shelters to ensure that your pets are cared for and safe in such a situation. 

In the middle of all this, while most of us enjoy the privilege of being at home safely, spare a thought for the strays in your neighbourhood and feed them too. When this all ends, we may be even more appreciative of all the unconditional love our pets and even strays show us every day.  

5 Fun Things To Do When in Quarantine.

When the weather is so bad that taking your dog outside for playtime is too challenging, they still need to burn off energy and relieve boredom. Indoor games are a good idea to keep both their body and their head entertained during winter. Your dog needs to do more than sit around the house or sleep the bad weather away, the same way you do. Here are 5 fun indoor games you can play with your dog.

Tug Games

In small spaces where active games are not possible, you can still play tug games with your dog. Get a couple sturdy tug toys in a size that’s appropriate for your particular dog. Tug toys are good for indoor play because they are small enough to throw across the room to fetch and retrieve, and do not bounce and hit things the way balls can.

For an inexpensive version of a tug toy, tear an old T-shirt into strips. Tie the strips together to create a multi-tentacle octopus type toy that is easy for both you and your dog to grab. They are lightweight, easy to throw and easy to wash.

Hide and Seek

Whether you are hiding a treat, a favorite toy, or hiding in another area of the house yourself, dogs enjoy the fun of the hunt. Start with something simple by hiding a toy or treat under a blanket, sheet or pillows, and see how long it takes your dog to find it. Make it more of a challenge by altering the hiding place or wrapping the object in layers.

If you are hiding yourself, or have multiple human family members that can play, make it a hunt for each person that hides. If your dog follows you so you can’t hide, the advantage of having at least one other player is that someone can hold your dog while you go hide, and then give the command to find you once you are hidden.

Obstacle Course

Even if you don’t have a large house, you can still create an obstacle course for your dog. Try using items from around your home to build a simple but challenging course that will provide plenty of doggy entertainment.  For example, pillows, sturdy chairs and boxes are easy to use and clean up after play time. Use a few Canidae Treats to motivate your dog to jump over objects or maneuver around or under barriers. An obstacle course is a great way to get your dog up and moving around, even in a small space. Be creative and vary the course to keep it interesting for your dog.

Training Games

If you are trying to train your dog to obey commands, take advantage of the restrictions of indoor space to practice some of the basic commands such as Sit, Come, Shake or Roll Over. If you make it a game instead of a task, your dog may take to it better and will learn commands quicker. Patience, praise and rewards work wonders when you are teaching new skills to your dog or trying to reinforce the ones they have already learned. You can also use training cues in any of the indoor games to help reinforce their learning.

Puzzle Challenges

There is a large selection of puzzle type toys available that will challenge your dog as he works to retrieve the treat hidden inside. Some require rolling and active movement in order for the dog to get the treat out of the toy. Others are for more stationary play. The lure of the hidden treat will entice your dog to spend time trying to retrieve the treasure, which takes concentration and focus. It keeps the dog entertained and offers a tasty reward at the end for accomplishing the task.

Keeping your dog active and entertained when they’re stuck inside is not just good for physical exercise and stimulating their brain. It is also a great way for you to bond with your canine companion. Your dog loves spending time with you. Indoor games can make your time together healthy, fun, educational and bonding.

Read more articles by Laurie Darroch

12 Things to do with your pets when home

1. Search & Sniff

Source: Big DIY Ideas

Hide treats around your home to set your dog off on a tail wagging adventure. Your dog will put his nose to work to find the hidden treasures. You can determine how easy or difficult you want the game to be depending on where you decide to hide them.

2. Schedule a puppy play date.

Source: AKC

Call some puppy pals and surprise your dog with a visit from one of his four-legged furiends.

3. Kong Ball

Source: The Fun Times Guide

Kong Balls are great for hiding treats and keeping dogs busy. The toy’s opening is small enough to provide dogs with a challenge but also big enough for a treat to fall out before your dog becomes frustrated.

4. Tug of War

Source: Kurgo Blog

All you need for this old school game is a tough rope and a pawesome dog who’s ready to play.

5. Interactive Dog Feeder

Source: Amazon

Event though your dog may figure it out in a few minutes, interactive dog feeders and puzzles are a great way to keep your canine occupied.

6. Hall Ball

Source: All Types of Dogs

A long straight hallway is idea for this game. Similar to fetch, take a ball and roll it down a long hallway. Your dog will go racing after it without unpredictably tearing through your home.

7. Teach an old dog some new tricks.

Source: https://stories.barkpost.com/tricks-to-teach-your-dog-to-make-your-life-easier/

On sunnier days you’re way more likely to visit the doggie park than sit at home teaching your dog new tricks. Rainy days are pawesome for catching up on all those things you set aside for another day. Especially practicing tricks your dog knows, and teaching them some new ones too!

8. Dental Chewers

Source:Entirely Pets

Dental chew treats like Whimzees are ideal for keeping dogs busy while also cleaning their teeth!

9. The Hol-ee Roller

SourceBuzzFeed

The Hol-ee Roller is great for dogs that love bigger toys. Its hexagonal cut-outs make the ball lightweight and easy for owners to throw and dogs to retrieve so you won’t have to worry about it breaking your lamp. However, please proceed with caution if your dog is a heavy duty chewer (he just may get stuck in it  ). Unlikely but you never know with these crazy puppers!

10. Stair Master (Pup Edition)

Source: Taildom

Utilize all areas of your home! If you have a staircase, you can throw a ball up the stairs for your dog to retrieve and return to you at the bottom of the steps. Catch, toss, and have your dog return the ball several times to ensure a tired doggie.

11. Shopping Trip

Source: Pet Smart Charities

Take your dog out to a dog friendly store or dog specialty store like Petco or PetSmart to browse and shop on a gloomy day.

12. Netflix

Source: BarkPost

Ok, maybe this one isn’t as much for your dog. Regardless, you can still spend quality time with your dog and keep them entertained while catching up on a few shows. As long as you have a chew toy or bone nearby, your dog is bound to enjoy a little down time next to his rally hooman.