By Joanna Everett MRCVS Clinical Director Bath Vet Group
This period of significant change and uncertainty due to the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent UK lockdown has undoubtedly been stressful for us all, but were you aware that it could also be affecting your pets? Many people are spending much more time in their houses and after centuries as ‘man’s best friend’ our family dogs are sensitive to our moods and changes in our daily routine.
Many dogs are having their exercise regimes altered due to restrictions in time spent outdoors (thankfully easing now). For some active dogs, this has meant less time outside burning off calories, letting off steam and socialising with other familiar dogs, which they will miss both mentally and physically. It is advisable to find alternative enrichment for pets stuck at home, both for their own mental stimulation and to distract them to allow you to get on with some work!
Puzzle feeder toys are one way to keep them busy. However, it is important this does not lead to overfeeding your pet causing weight gain. Make sure the food going into the feeder is part of the calculated daily ration and not in addition to the meals in his bowl.
Other ways to prevent boredom include creating little obstacle courses around your home and garden, or teaching your dog some new tricks. We have included some ideas and examples of these on the Bath Vets social media pages, as have our friends at Bath Cats and Dogs Home. You could also focus on behaviour/obedience training that you may have started when your dog was a puppy and have let slip over the years, which is a great way of strengthening your bond with your dog.
For other dogs, they are actually going out much more than usual due to an increase in their owner’s free time and our personal need to get outside to get a break from looking at the same four walls. This sudden increase in exercise may be a struggle for those that are less fit, over-weight or have underlying, possibly undiagnosed, health problems like arthritis or heart disease. It is sensible to build up your dog’s exercise gradually and to pay attention to any exercise intolerance, stiffness or lameness your pet shows. We are still able to provide urgent and emergency care at Bath Vets, often via video consultation, so please don’t put off seeking help if you are worried.
Your newly-bustling household may also lead to your dog becoming overstimulated and showing some problem behaviours, such as excessive barking, chewing and restlessness. You can help your pet feel more comfortable by providing a safe spot in the house to enjoy when they need some quiet time-out. This could also be a crate which, with careful introduction, can become their favourite spot.
It is a good idea to ensure your dog spends time alone every day because, having got used to your non-stop presence during lockdown, they may struggle to adjust again when you return to work/school and may exhibit signs of distress and separation anxiety at this point
If you are lucky enough to have a dog, then hopefully they are providing a much-needed distraction from the difficult situation and are bringing joy and comfort to your household. With a little adaptation and understanding then hopefully we can make this period stress free and joyful for them too.