When you are confined to your home, it’s obvious that animals can make time pass much more pleasantly.
They are there when we need to ventilate or just cuddle, and caring for animals is a productive outlet that benefits both animals and people.
But being stuck at home with your pet can also present its share of difficulties. Here are some tips to keep your pet happy and busy even when you are confined to your home.
1. Respect their habits
Your schedule has likely been significantly disrupted. In times like this, it can be tempting to let go of your pet's habits too.
Dr. Annie Valuska, behaviorist at Purina warns us: "It is important to try to keep the same routine with your pet as much as possible. Meal times, hygienic outings and walks should be normal and if your dog is used to going out by car, it's a good idea to keep taking it even for short trips. "
It also reminds us that we must continue to maintain good manners, such as sitting before going through the door or not begging at the table ... It is a good way to maintain consistency in the habits of your animal.
2. Maintain rest times
Your pet may be used to resting a lot when the family is away, so keep them quiet throughout the day.
As Dr François Martin, behaviorist at Purina reminds us, "it is not a good idea to change the habits of your animal by constantly soliciting it. Animals are not children. Their owners do not need to keep them busy all day. "
Parents, you push yourself to breathe: your children may need activities to fill their days, but your cat or dog can manage on their own and they will probably even appreciate being left a little calm.
3. Let them chew
While you are on a video conference, home school, or just in need of rest, giving your pet a chew treat to keep him busy can be great.
Dr Séverine Ligout, behaviorist at Purina, reminds us that, even if these treats please your animal, we must also be careful not to overfeed them. Control the amount of calories distributed and compensate for the excess due to treats by reducing meals a little.
4. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
Don't get upset and channel your energy into positive activity, exercise. Staying active during this time is as important to you as it is to your pet.
You may not be able to take your dog to the park to run but you can always find a way to get him to exercise. Even walking to the mailbox will keep him a little active. When you are indoors, push out some furniture to make room for "fetching" or tug-of-war.
If you have a garden, go outside and play chasing yourself. We recommend that you use physical exercise as a way of framing your pet's schedule. Schedule play sessions each day at around the same time, your pet will adopt this routine which gives him physical and mental stimulation while strengthening the bond with you.
5. Stimulate your pet's mind
Another way to tire your pet is to mentally stimulate it, for example by teaching it new exercises! Ever wanted to teach your dog to roll or dance your cat