Coronavirus, boredom and lockdown: How to keep your pets happy while you’re at home

Dog owners are being encouraged to keep their pooches mentally and physically fit, particularly during lockdown. Problems can arise if they are bored or around stress, like anxiousness.

Lara Shannon with her dog Darcy at Allnutt Park, McKinnon. They'll be guests at Stonnington's Pets in the Park Day. PICTURE: PENNY STEPHENS. 14TH MARCH 2019

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The family dog may revel in having more people at home but a disruption in routine could cause anxiety and behaviour issues.

Dog training expert Lara Shannon said sticking to a routine and playing “brain games” with your pooch will help them fight off anxiousness.

“Dogs like routine, so any changes to this are definitely noticed. Having their ‘family’ around them at home is going to bring them a lot of joy at this time,” she said.

“However, if they tend to be ignored or excluded from being part of the increased family presence, mistreated, subject to arguing or noisy children, or feel the pressure of restricted outings, it could trigger more stress and anxiety in their lives.”

Lara Shannon, pictured with her dog Darcy, says it is important to keep your dog physically and mentally active. Picture: Penny Stephens

The host of TV series Pooches At Play said family pets would benefit from the increased attention and affection brought about by lockdowns.

But if owners became stressed their four-legged friends could pick up on it.

“Body language is a key way dogs read other dogs, as well as humans, and they can read the slightest change in our facial expressions, behaviour and body actions, so they absolutely pick up on their owner’s anxiety,” Shannon said.

“As our dogs are constantly reading us and, given we are seeing a rise in anxiety amongst people, it is no surprise this is also being seen with our dogs. It’s estimated anywhere between 20 per cent and 30 per cent of dogs suffer from anxiety.”

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Ms Shannon said it was important to keep your dog physically and mentally active.

“Scenting is really important to a dog’s mental and physical well being so being able to get outside of the home environment and sniff the ground around their neighbourhood should be encouraged,” Shannon said.

“If you can’t go as far as you might usually or need to self-isolate fully inside your home, then you can do some training with your dog.

“You can teach them entertaining tricks such as waving, walking backwards, rolling over, speaking, and high-fiving.”

She said “brain games” were important indoor activities.

“Games like a treat treasure hunt around the home, playing hide and seek with your dog, teaching your dog to put their toys away, or even a simple fetch game in the house are all ways to add some exercise and mental stimulation into their routine,” she said.

Shannon emphasised the importance of people washing their hands and being hygienically responsible with their dogs.

“With dogs you should always practice good hygiene but now, more than ever, you must make sure to wash your hands before and after patting or touching your pet to help avoid any germs being transmitted through touch,” Shannon said.

Lara Shannon says it was important for owners to keep their dog’s diet consistent, particularly during this period.

“Avoid letting them kiss you and of course avoid touching your face after patting them.”

She also cautioned about making abrupt changes to a dog’s diet.

“Try to keep your dog’s diet consistent particularly during this period as you want to be restricting tummy upsets that might warrant a visit to the vet,” Shannon said.

“Ensure you don’t leave any change over to new brands or products to the last minute as you do need to transition your dog across to a new diet over seven to 14 days to avoid stomach upsets.”

Lara Shannon says trying to be constructive and positive during the COVID-19 shut down was important for pets as well as people. Picture: Penny Stephens

She said trying to be constructive and positive during the COVID-19 shut down was important for pets as well as people.

“Make good use of this time to build a bond with your dog and be a good leader and try to keep your own stress levels down,” she said.

“This is a tough time right now, but there is nothing we can do about it and worrying simply does not help us or our dogs.”

www.poochesatplay.com

Originally published as Coronavirus, boredom and lockdown: How to keep your pets happy while you’re at home