Wanna find out 7 things to do with your dog INDOORS during a coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown? READ ON NOW…
It’s feeling more and more eerie here in Spain!
ARF, ARF! It’s official – I’m an American dog living in Spain during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, which started on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Spain is currently the MOST infected European country after Italy, which has already been in lockdown for weeks prior. With Europe being the “new epicenter” of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Spain imposed a nationwide lockdown to curb the number of infections. With a US travel ban to Europe in place for 30 days, my pack and I ultimately decided to stay put and stick it out instead of traveling back home and hassle with the extra screenings and self-quarantines (especially with ME in the mix). With the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in place, everything has shut down except for grocery stores, pharmacies, and a few food spots offering takeaway (para llevar). The Spanish government has urged people to confine to their homes to avoid further spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
So, what are my humans and I doing during this coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, especially since I am a physically and socially active dog? Continue reading to find out what to do with your dog during a coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown: 7 things to do with your dog INDOORS! If you’re looking for precautions to take with your dog during a coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, put your furry paw HERE.
4/28/20 Update: Based on the data available, it doesn’t appear that dogs and cats can spread COVID-19 to humans so there is no need to panic or abandon your pets. The overall risk remains LOW. There have been several cases of human-to-animal transmission, but the “infected” pets only exhibited mild symptoms, if any. Nevertheless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention AND World Health Organization recommend good hygiene when handling your pet.
Updated CDC guidelines:
- Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.
- Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.
- Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people and animals.
- Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.There is a small number of animals around the world reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after having contact with a person with COVID-19. Talk to your veterinarian if your pet gets sick or if you have any concerns about your pet’s health.If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), you should restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would with people.
WOOF, here are 7 things to do with your dog INDOORS during a coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown:
#1 Keep your dog busy
Stock up on bones, chews, kongs, and toys! Your dog will need to exert the extra energy without being outdoors. I can gnaw on this yummy chew FOR HOURS!
#2 Teach new tricks
Bond with your dog by teaching them new tricks through POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT. Even as a senior dog, I sure love to eat and can learn quickly with irresistible treats!
A quick tip: An easy, effective way to teach your dog a trick is to catch them doing that specific action naturally, then reward and praise them. Repeat the words of command (e.g. lay down, roll over, sit pretty, etc.) as you give them a treat so they affiliate the specific action with the reward.
My favorite trick? I love a good STRETCH!
Despite the recent social media popularity of dogs walking on hind legs, please do NOT teach your dog to walk on two legs as it is simply unnatural for dogs to do so. Think about it, dogs are born to walk on four legs just as humans are born to walk on two legs. Long-term walking on hind legs can be detrimental to your dog’s body. Sadly, many dogs have suffered from abusive and cruel training practices for such a distasteful trick that’s purely an amusement for humans.
#3 Play games
Since I’m not much of a ball guy like other dogs, my favorite indoor game to play with my human is HIDE and SEEK! Well, I should clarify that my human is doing most of the hiding.
#4 Groom your dog
Grooming your dog deepens the bond between you two so give him/her an extra combing session during this coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown. I hate sitting still, but I’ll happily sit or lay down as I get brushed. Heck, I’ll even wiggle my butt a few times! 🙂
I also hate brushing my teeth, but this lockdown may provide some good opportunities for my humans to shine my tooth (and keep my breath fresh). AAHHH , HELP ME! There’s also ear cleaning, nail clipping, and hair trimming, BUT do so with extreme caution and care!
Also, please do NOT over-bathe your dog as I barked out in my last post.
#5 Give your dog a massage
WOOF! I seriously don’t know a single dog who doesn’t like a good belly rub and body massage…
Again, remember to wash your hands after touching your precious dog!
#6 Make delicious food for the both of you to enjoy
With restaurants and pet stores closed during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, you must resort to preparing your own food and potentially your dog’s food. Cook up something delicious yet safe for both of you to enjoy. I love grilled salmon, zucchini, cucumbers, and sweet potatoes – just to name a few of my favorite dog-safe foods!
As a safety precaution, don’t share utensils, plates, or bowls!
#7 Destress with your dog
Take a nap, watch a movie, do yoga, etc. – do something RELAXING with your dog nearby to ease the fears and anxiety about this worldwide pandemic. Studies have shown that having a dog or cat can make you both physically and mentally healthier; as loving dog and cat owners can attest, furry pals can help lower stress, cholesterol, blood pressure, and help you stay active, social, and happy. Hence, treat them well like real family members and you will only see the greatness coming back tenfold.
A quick tip: If you sleep with your dogs like my humans, you should make sure your pets are ON TOP of the covers (not under).
BONUS TIP: If you live in an apartment complex or condominium with indoor access to stairs, you can exercise with your dog by running up and down the staircase!
*If you are or could be sick with coronavirus (COVID-19), please restrict contact with your pets immediately and have someone you trust to look after them.
ARF, hope you enjoy these 7 things to do with your dog INDOORS during a coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown. Watch my funny video illustrating all the ways you can stay busy with your dog HERE! If you’re looking for precautions to take with your dog during a lockdown, put your furry paw HERE.
The first 5 days of lockdown were tough, but I managed to survive. Find out what I did NOW!
And, don’t forget to watch me show appreciation to Spain’s healthcare workers below:
Markin’ it up,
Roger Wellington a.k.a. The Doob
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