How to Care for Your Dog While on Lockdown

As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the global pandemic COVID-19, dogs are no exception. If holding up inside your home may be difficult for you, the same thing goes with your dogs. Changes in their daily routines may cause confusion among your beloved fur babies, and as dog owners, the way we take care of our pets may have to change up a bit, as well.

Good thing we can help them ease into a new routine as we spend more time indoors. Here are some ways we can help our dogs cope with the new normal.



1. Keep moving

Your dog might be missing his walks outside, but that does not mean that movement has to be stopped altogether. If you have a yard or a garage, take advantage of the space by letting your dog roam freely inside your property. If your area allows you to go out to walk your dog within the street, you may do so once in a while, but be cautious and practice proper social distancing when interacting with others. It’s also wise to keep walks short and to avoid busy streets so you can protect yourself. Make sure to disinfect once you go home. 

However, staying indoors is perfectly fine, too. You can keep it fun for your dog by creating a makeshift obstacle course or by simply playing fetch. Your dog will surely enjoy these activities even while inside the house.



2. Lessen food intake

Since your dog’s physical activities are limited, it is best to lessen their food intake to reduce the risk of obesity. You may cut down their servings by 10% and try to avoid giving them snacks too many snacks in between (resist those begging puppy eyes!). Aim for a moderate-protein diet because too much protein intake can make dogs too hyped up, and without a way for them to burn calories, it can be problematic for both of you.



3. Teach a new trick

It’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. Now that you have more free time in your hands, you can use it to teach your dog some cool new tricks to mentally stimulate them. There are several tips online that can help you teach your dog something new. Teaching your dog new tricks will not only make you feel even more proud of your pet, but you also can actually learn a thing or two yourself. 



4. Clean them often

Keep your furry friend fresh and clean, especially if they spend some time outside your house. Cleaning them after taking a short walk is a good idea to prevent them from bringing germs and viruses inside the house. Wipe them off with a wet clean towel and dry them well before letting them inside again. Give your dog a good thorough bath at least once a week, and check regularly for fleas and ticks.



5. Keep in touch with your dog’s vet

Go over your dog’s vaccination records and make sure to keep them updated. If your dog is scheduled for a vaccination, contact your dog’s veterinarian and ask if the vaccination can be delayed and what can be done to avoid your dog contracting any illnesses throughout the lockdown. Check your dog’s ears, eyes, nails, and fur regularly to ensure that he is in tip-top shape. If you have concerns about your dog’s health, you may ask the vet if you can schedule a video conference call so he can visually assess your dog.


COVID-19 sure has changed a lot of our daily routines, including taking care of our dog. But your love and concern for your pets don’t have to change. Some tweaks in your usual activities can still be beneficial to both you and your dogs. And once the lockdown is lifted, make sure to schedule a thorough dog grooming session for your fur baby to keep them clean and healthy. Don’t hesitate to book your appointment with us!

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