The Coronavirus Pandemic Is Impacting Your Dog’s Mood and Behavior
The coronavirus pandemic has drastically affected life not only for humans but for dogs too. While you might think your dog enjoys having you home all the time, their behavior might be saying otherwise. Is your dog acting like your shadow and following you from room to room? Or is your pup’s patience wearing thin and you find them getting agitated with you more easily? When your dog is constantly “on” they become overwhelmed and exhausted.
Normally, when you leave for work and school each day, your dog gets the chance to take naps and decompress from all the fun they have with their family. But now you’re working on the couch they use for their morning nap, the kids want to play fetch non-stop and there is no quiet space to escape to and calm their anxious mind.
Just like when you get annoyed with your family members cooped up in tight quarters, it’s natural for your dog to be overwhelmed by your constant presence. Instead of getting frustrated with your dog, make it a point to see life through their eyes and provide them with support to navigate their new home-life schedule.
Maintain A Routine
Dogs thrive on routine and stability so even if you’re working from home be sure to feed, walk, play and give them quiet time at the same time every day. While other things around them seem out of control, they will find comfort in having this daily schedule.
Create a Quiet Space
Make sure your dog has access to a space that is quiet and comfortable and, mostly importantly, is off limits to others engaging with them. It’s a safe place for them to escape from the busy household.
Provide Mental Stimulation
You might find it cute that your dog is laying at your feet during your conference calls, but it very well could be a result of your pup being bored. Combat your dog’s monotony by giving them interactive toys that reward them with a treat or feed them with a food puzzle. Give them a break from the indoors and let them explore outside. This engages their sense of smell which releases the feel-good hormone Dopamine. Have you tried dog daycare? Keep reading to learn more!
Burn Off Energy
Engage your dog in regular rigorous play and exercise to help them burn off their pent-up energy. This could mean a tug of war game during your lunch break or taking them on runs after work, keep exploring different routes to activate their mind and keep them roused.
Socialize Dogs with Daycare
It isn’t easy to give your dog the social interaction they need with the social distance guidelines we follow to keep each other safe. Dogtopia daycare is the perfect outlet for you and your pup! Pet parents can have peace of mind knowing their dog will get the much-needed socialization and exercise in a clean, safe and fun daycare environment. Separated by size and temperament, your dog will learn how to become a good canine citizen alongside their BFFFs (best furry friends forever) and under the watchful eye of our certified Canine Coaches. In our open playrooms, your dog will spend endless hours exerting lots of energy, playing with all their friends, and learning good behavior through educational brain games. Just because you aren’t there doesn’t mean you have to miss out, pet parents can watch their dog at any time on our webcams available through our mobile app or on desktop.
Looking to give your dog a break from your house and family? Bring them to Dogtopia for the most exciting day ever! Find a location in your neighborhood.
