Smart Dog Care Tips to Implement During These Socially Isolating Times

According to Sylvie Parbus of K9 Topline Solutions, dogs are pets that can be quite on the needy side. Having said that, the restricted social mobility being experienced by people because of the present COVID-19 situation can be considered a rather happy development for canines at the moment. With their humans staying home all day, dogs are getting a lot of cuddles and playtime.

For humans, on the other hand, staying home for prolonged periods of time can be quite challenging, especially with a playful pet around. Some pet owners still need to do work online, and there are other responsibilities (e.g., running errands, getting groceries, etc.) to stay on top of as well, all while there are limited services available.

To make this new set-up flow more smoothly and conveniently for pet dogs and their humans alike, check out the following suggestions.

1. Find a Reliable Online Pet Supplies Provider

Now that most have been advised to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19 effectively, you definitely need to look for an online pet supplies provider that can deliver your pet’s needs during these times. A lot of stores are closed. Therefore, stocking up on your pet’s necessities can be complicated even if you head out to shop. Take the time to do research on pet supplies providers online who remain open and serve online customers.

If you successfully find an online pet supplies service in your city that is a one-stop-shop for all your dog’s needs, you don’t have to worry anymore. You can get everything from treats to toys, hygiene products, and even new dog tags online and have them delivered right away to your doorstep.

2. Create a New Routine With Your Dog

Take the time to create a fully organized schedule of activities to take care of every day. This way, your dog can also learn to adjust his needs and let you go about the other things that you need to do for the day. As irresistible as your dog can be, turning him away so you can get other things done is good training. If you need to stay as productive as you can be during this time, indeed, creating a new routine is a must.

3. Focus on Training Your Pet

According to pet professionals, with you spending more time at home, for the time being, you should consider serious training for the furry four-legged one. Teach your dog new tricks and behavior regulation practices. By doing so, perhaps you can share some household chores with him, such as picking up clutter and placing them in the hamper, or delivering everything from the newspaper to snacks to the other members of the family.

Dog training will serve as a recreational time for you and your pet, and it can help develop a closer relationship between the two of you as well. But, before you commence dog training, make sure that you have the right tools for the activity. Stock up on treats through a dog food delivery service because rewards are necessary for the activity. Purchase some toys as well to use for training sessions.

4. Make Sure that Your Pet is Safe During These Times

Some studies indicate that cats and dogs can also be infected with COVID-19, so find out how you can properly protect your furry companion while you have a lot of time on your hands. Your vet is the perfect person to educate you on what to do, especially if you still allow your pet to play outside.

One of the crucial tips for keeping pets safe is to call a vet office first instead of just dropping in with your dog. They will ask you as many preliminary questions as necessary to determine if your pet needs to see them. While vet’s offices are thoroughly sanitized and observe strict protocols to keep clients safe, they still believe that it’s best to lower the risk of infection for animals by avoiding public places.

5. Improve Your Pet-Handling Skills

Veterinarians also recommend smart pet-handling as it can make life at home with the four-legged one safer. For example, schedule your dog’s bath time on the same day as the rare outdoor excursion. Brace yourself for this activity in the summer, especially with a lot of restrictions being lifted; bath times may become more frequent not only for hygiene but also for keeping your pup cool and fresh when temperatures rise.

You will also have to modify your own hygiene practices to handle your dog better. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, pet owners should always wash their hands thoroughly after handling pets, pet food, waste, and supplies. Not only that, but they should change their clothes as well.

6. Gear Up for Pet Separation Anxiety When You Go Back to Work

Your dog can get quite used to having you at home all the time. Therefore, when it’s time for you to go back to work, he may demonstrate some anxiety when you head out the door while he needs to stay inside.

To help your dog get used to this change, pet professionals suggest doing the following:

• A couple of weeks before you go back to the office, make sure to focus your attention on your dog for an hour or two a day, and then slowly withdraw from your pet. This practice will help you both ease into the transition better.
• Purchase new toys. Although playtime with humans is still most dogs’ preferred activity for fun, playing with new toys can keep them distracted, which you need them to be when you return to work.

Indeed, these are trying times, but Dubai is slowly getting back into the former order of things. While the health threat remains, it’s best to have a plan for living life as comfortably as possible. With the dog care tips shared here, you’ll be able to create a good quality and completely enjoyable life with your beloved furry little one despite a lot of mobility limitations. At the same time, transitioning back to what life used to be like before the pandemic will make things easier for your dog.

Author Bio:

Farah Al-Khojai is the Managing Partner of Pet’s Delight. A passionate entrepreneur, Farah holds a Bsc in Government from the London School of Economics. She is always on the lookout for new opportunities to develop and grow the pet and equestrian retail and wholesale market in the UAE and beyond. She is proud to be at the helm of the first and the largest pet care provider in the market, representing world-class brands including Orijen, Applaws, Hunter, Savic, Flamingo, Ruffwear, and Rogz.