Month: April 2020

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How to reduce stress for pets during lockdown

reduce stress for pets during lockdown

It is important to reduce stress for pets during lockdown, as they can become anxious with changes to routines and more people in the home.

Increased stress for your pet can lead to changes in behaviour and can cause worry and stress for owners. There are a number of changes that could affect your pet during this time, which include:

  • Everyone in the family being at home all the time
  • Lots of noise and activity at times when its normally quiet
  • Changes to routines, such as feeding or walks
  • Family members spending more time with pets and interacting with them differently
  • For dogs, especially, reduced exercise, ability to run free off the lead and play with other dogs

Signs that your pet may be anxious could include:

  • Hiding away or not wanting to interact as usual
  • Aggression, barking or snarling at family members
  • Increased vocalising, you dog may bark more
  • They may be less active, not wanting to go on a walk or play
  • Not sleeping at night or maybe sleeping more during the day
  • Changes in appetite, eating less or changes to digestive function

To help reduce stress for pets during lockdown there are some positive things you can do, which include:

Daily routines

Some pets can get anxious due to changes in their normal routines. Try to stick to daily routines with your pets, such as feeding times and exercise. If possible, exercise your pet at the same time every day to help reduce their stress.

Consistency

When interacting with pets make sure all family members react the same way. For example, if they were allowed upstairs before lockdown – but now they aren’t because someone is working from home, this may cause them to become stressed. Be mindful of your pet when adapting to life in lockdown.

Body language

Keep an eye on your pet’s body language – they are usually good at letting us know when they have had enough interaction. Speak to family members and ask them to respect when pets take themselves away for some quiet time.

Access to a safe place

Create a den or safe space to help reduce stress for pets during lockdown. This can be a comfortable resting place where they can hide should they become stressed. Ask other family members not to approach them if they are in their safe place. They are probably enjoying some peace and quiet in an unusually hectic household.

Exercise

If possible, continue to provide the same level of exercise. Try not to increase exercise levels without veterinary advice. Use toys to help keep cats entertained and active in the home. We highlight some ways to exercise dogs in the home here.

Add in quality pet time

Plan your day to include some quiet time for pets, when everyone has settled down. This will be important to your pet as they will be used to having the house to themselves during the day.

Don’t overwhelm your pet

Pets may be used to having the house to themselves most of the day and not used to so much interaction from you or family members. Some pets don’t like too much close contact or interaction. With more people being at home at one time, remember the safety of your pet and family members and don’t let them get into difficult situations that might overwhelm them.

Prepare for back to work life

Your pet may enjoy you being around more, however it’s important that they do not start to rely on your company. Separation anxiety in dogs is common and it’s important to prepare them for when you return to work by building in periods of separation, even by being in different rooms. This could include your normal ‘leaving routine’ before setting down in the home office.

If you notice any unusual behaviour or are worried about your pet, contact your vet who is in the best position to offer advice.

Ask your vet about Nutracalm, which has been specially formulated to naturally calm anxious pets and reduce unwanted or unruly behaviour in dogs and cats.

 

 

 

 

 

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Caring for your pets during coronavirus lockdown

As many of us are staying at home to self-isolate or work during the Covid-19 crisis, it’s important to still keep pets healthy and happy.

Keeping your pet happy and active whilst your stuck indoors can be challenging with many pet owners concerned about how they can look after their dog or cat during this time, when outdoor activity is limited.

Current government guidance states that it’s still ok to go outside to exercise and walk your dog but you’re advised to keep your distance and avoid popular parks or open spaces where other dog walkers may gather.

To help pet owners during this time, we offer some tips to keep your pets safe and happy:

Self-isolating

If you’re self-isolating and worried that you’re unable to care for your pets, ask if someone could look after your pet during this time. You could contact your local kennel or cattery or a friend or family member to make sure your pet gets the care they need.

Medication

Be sure to check you have sufficient medications your pet requires. Vet practices will remain open with many offering safe collection of medications or postal services. It’s best to check first before visiting your vets.

Pet supplies

Make sure you have enough pet essentials, such as food or cat litter but do not stockpile as shops will remain open during lockdown.

Keep up-dated with your vet practice

Be sure to keep up to date with information from your veterinary practices, their procedures and opening hours during this time. Check their website and social media pages for any updates in case of an emergency. Contact them either by social media, email or ring ahead, as many practices receptions are working on different hours currently.

Exercise

Make sure your pet is still getting regular exercise. Along with government guidelines, you are ok to walk your dog while respecting social distancing. If you can’t take your dog on a walk, make use of outdoor space such as the garden or follow our tips to exercise your dog in the home here. If your dog seems to be slowing down or stiff when getting up from resting, they may benefit from extra support such as Nutraquin+.

Hygiene

Although it has been confirmed that you cannot contract Covid-19 from dogs and cats, be sure to wash your hands regularly before and after any contact with your pet. For more information on this visit the PDSA website here.

Stay calm

Despite it being a stressful time – try to stay calm yourself as pets can pick up on your stress and it may cause them to also become anxious. If you’re working from home, make sure your pet has a safe space to take themselves away to if they are feeling anxious. If your pet is anxious ask your vet about Nutracalm – a fast acting support for stress and anxiety.

Read our top tips for keeping pets calm here.

Environment

Respect your pet’s space and needs as they won’t be used to having you at home all the time. Make sure you have enough high spaces for your cat to retreat to if you have more than one pet. If you have a garden, make sure it is secure so they can’t escape.

Stick to routines

If possible, stick to your normal routines with your pets, for example feeding times and dog walks. This will help your pet to get used to you being around the home more and reduce stress for them.

 

 

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Exercising your dog during the coronavirus outbreak

Exercising your dog during coronavirus

Despite being told we need to stay home, exercising your dog during the coronavirus lockdown is important to ensure they get daily exercise and keep mobile.

Dogs are intelligent animals and if they get bored this could lead to a frustrated dog which could cause destruction in the home. Exercising your dog during the current coronavirus outbreak will help to keep their joints mobile and maintain their general health.

However, if you’re unable to walk your dog outside, what other way could you ensure they get much needed exercise?

We share some tips on exercising your dog during the coronavirus lockdown:

Use your local park

If you are able to get out of the house for the one hour of government approved exercise, use it to walk your dog. Use your local park or even just walking around the block will give your dog some much needed exercise, as well as allowing yourself to get some fresh air. Be sure to adhere to the guidelines of keeping two metres away from other walkers and only walk your dog locally.

Make your dog work for their treats

Take a few of your dog’s favourite treats and hide them around the house. This will keep your dog busy while he is sniffing out the treats, under furniture and behind doors. Treat dispensing toys can also help to keep them busy while engaging their mind.

Training

Teaching your dog some new tricks or simply refreshing their training is a great way to engage your dog. As well as keeping them physically fit, training can also help to keep their brain active. Use treats to reward good behaviour but remember to keep them as part of their daily meal. Read our top tips on brain training your dog here.

Use the stairs

Make use of any stairs in your home, if your dog is mobile and physically able to – get them running up and down the stairs. Stand at the top of the stairs and throw your dogs favourite toy down to him, get him to pick it up and bring it to you at the top. This is a great way to tire out your pooch.

Create an obstacle course

If your dog is mobile and you have the space in your home, create an obstacle course using furniture for your dog to run around, jumping over and going under tables and chairs. Be careful not to use rooms with wooden floors as this could cause your dog to slip and fall while they are running around. Use treats each time they complete it to keep them entertained and not get bored.

Make use of outdoor space

If you have a garden or yard, make use of the outdoor space to run or walk around with your dog. If the weather is nice, you can power walk around your garden with your pooch – giving yourself some exercise as well as your dog. If your garden is big enough use the space to play fetch with your pup’s favourite toy.

Tug of war

Using rope toys, tug of war with your dog is a great way to tire them out. However, this game could bring out the predator side of your pooch, so be sure to remain in control and take breaks during the game to ensure they don’t get aggressive.

Establish a routine

To help keep your dog calm during this time, be sure to establish a routine with their exercise. If you are doing daily exercise, try and do it at the same time each day. Your dog will get used to their routine and exercising in the morning will help to keep them quiet during the day if you are working from home.