Taking Care of our Dogs During Coronavirus
Woofs from Bella and Dublin!
It’s definitely a crazy time and lots of conflicting information coupled with lots of uncertainty!
Like you, we are hunkered down here in Northern Nevada and waiting for the “all clear” signal to go back to living our lives “normally.”
But in the meantime, I’m bonding even closer with the fur-kids (IF that’s even possible!), learning a lot through webinars and taking a serious look at new, creative ways to do business to minimize personal contact. Yes, it often feels frustrating and very uncertain, but times of hardship and “necessity” are invaluable in ramping up new ways of doing things!
I’m sure, like me, you’ve heard more than enough about the coronavirus! I would like to (quickly) address just one area to hopefully dispel some misinformation and stop the unfortunate actions on the part of some pet owners. This is from our upcoming April newsletter.
Can My Pet Get and Pass Along Coronavirus?
Sadly, there are reports of people abandoning their pets because of the unfounded belief that their dogs and cats can get, carry and transmit the coronavirus.
In a nutshell, this is not true and there is NO evidence backing up this claim. So please keep your pet in your home with you where they belong.
CLARIFICATION: There IS a Canine Coronavirus (CCV), but the current outbreak has nothing to do with the CCV virus.
The WHO, CDC, AVMA and AKC all agree there is no imminent threat from our pets for transmitting the Coronavirus. The CDC says the virus is spreading from person-to-person only. The AVMA also assures that petting a dog’s fur is low-risk because the virus survives best on smooth surfaces.
Remember, the coronavirus is transmitted via respiratory droplets from human-to-human. So follow the AKC’s advice to consistently follow basic hygiene in thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water before and after contact with any pet.
For further information, watch the “COVID-19 Update on Pets” video with Rodney Habib, Dr. Karen Becker and Dr. Sarah Caddy of the University of Cambridge.
Ok, ’nuff said!
Play and Engage Your Dog!
The pets of our lives enhance and enrich our lives especially in uncertain times like these!
Instead of stressing out over every news report, spend extra quality time with your beloved pet and enhance your overall 
relationship and bond! Below are some great ideas to keep you and your dog active even as you shelter-in-place.
People-Oriented Dog Play
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- Hide-and-Seek
- Tug-of-War
Object-Oriented Dog Play
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- Find It
- Put it Away
- Fetch
Task-Oriented Dog Play
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- Tricks
- Puzzle-Solving
- Dig Here
To learn more about other games to play with your resident canine, click on the links below.
- Outdoor Dog Games
- How to Teach Your Dog to Play “Nose Games”
- 10 Simple and Fun Indoor Games for Your Dog
- 10 Games to Play with Dogs
As we all move through this uncertain time, stay safe, healthy and positive. Remember, this too shall pass.
