Due to the state of alarm caused by the spread of the coronavirus, we are unable to walk the dog as much as we would like. However, there are many games we can play at home to entertain them.
Long weeks of quarantine await us due to the COVID-19 coronavirus. These isolation measures will be very boring not only for people, but also for pets. In fact, many of them, especially dogs, are used to long walks in the park or in the countryside. That’s why in this article you will find some tips for playing with your dog during quarantine.
Then there are the animals like parrots or cats, which usually don’t go out and who will have their owners at home these days, so they will be even happier.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the coronavirus or COVID-19 state a pandemic. A pandemic (from the Greek pan – demos , “all the people”) occurs when a viral disease affects the human population worldwide.
The only way to prevent the spread of the virus is to stay home and avoid contact with other humans. This virus, although it can live for some time outside the body, needs humans to transmit itself. Therefore, if we remain in quarantine, we will stop it.
The life of pets during the quarantine
Before we start with our tips for playing with pets during quarantine, remember that there is no scientific evidence linking coronavirus infection to pets. However, some precautions should be taken.
When you take your dog for a walk , it is very likely that you will have to go through the common areas of the building. Remember to wear gloves or avoid touching things.
Once on the street, keep the leash with a maximum length of 3 meters, go at a slow pace and avoid letting the animal go where it wants. Redirect the leash firmly, but gently, so that the animal does not get hurt and starts pulling.
Keep in mind that only one person can go out for a walk with the dog, collect the feces with a hygienic bag and dilute the urine with water and vinegar whenever possible. Under no circumstances should you leave your pet free, as the road is not the right place and you could be fined.
Once back home, throw away your gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you want, you can also use a disinfectant gel.
Tips for playing with your dog during quarantine
You must always play with your dog, even in a normal situation, where you can go out freely and there are no restrictions due to the coronavirus.
This is important to educate him, stimulate his sense of smell, teach him to stay calm and promote bonding. However, we will probably have more time during the quarantine.
Games to stimulate the sense of smell
Games based on the stimulation of smell are essential for the mental balance of animals. This type of games foster the animal-owner bond, promote self-control, teach how to manage frustration, increase self-confidence and self-esteem.
One of the simplest games is to create a maze in the house. Place obstacles such as chairs, tables, boxes, cushions, and toys. Then strategically hide bits of food and tell him to look for them. He may be disoriented at first and not understand what to do, then you may guide him and show him where the rewards are.
On the other hand, if your pet is already trained in this type of exercise, you can hide his toys or even food in the house. Give him the order to “go hunting”: the search will keep him busy for a while.
Take advantage of mealtimes to let him play a little, so you don’t have to offer all the food together in one bowl. For example, inside a box, put rags and old clothes, newspapers, magazines, etc. and hide the treats among all the objects.
This will cause the dog to use his sense of smell to find out where the food is. If you take your dog out immediately after this exercise, you will notice that he will be much more relaxed on the street.
These types of games are the most tiring for a dog, much more so than running , playing ball or interacting with other dogs, as the fatigue is mental and not physical. In addition, they help reduce the animal’s stress levels.
Contact games
Since you can’t go outside much, you can play indoors with touch-based games. Lie on the ground with him, roll around, let him lick you and play with you as he would another dog. However, if you find that your dog doesn’t control his strength well while playing, it’s best to use other toys.
If you allow your dog to get on the bed or sofa, invite him to climb up and lie down with you for a while, just pat him and enjoy his company . If you don’t like having it on the bed or sofa you can also do it on the floor.
