Fun Activities to Do with Your Dog or Cat While Practicing Social Distancing.
May 21 2020, 0 Comments

If you or your family members are stuck at home during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, then try these suggestions below to keep yourself, family members, and pets busy as you practicing safe social distancing.

Pet Yoga

Yoga can help you reduce your stress during this pandemic, but incorporating your pet into your routine can lead to more quality time together. Get started by placing your yoga mat and see if your pet is interested in what you’re doing, and incorporate them into some yoga poses. 

When going for a walk around your neighborhood, you can still take the opportunity to get some yoga with your dog accomplished by practicing your crescent lunge along the sidewalk or even tree pose while your dog stops for a potty break.

Snuggle

Due to the concerns regarding COVID-19, your anxiety or stress level might be at an all-time high. Now more than ever, we recommend that you spend quality time with your pet by snuggling up with him and petting him. Studies have shown that petting dogs and cats can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and have an overall calming effect.

 Improve Your Photography Skills

If you enjoy taking pictures but never had the time to practice your photography skills now is the time to take advantage. Pets are great models and help you to work on your skills and have fun while taking pictures of your them! See lists are helpful tips below to assist you on your journey.

  •     Use a fast shutter speed. Use sports mode to help capture your pet's quick movements. 
  •     Use burst mode. Used to capture several shots at once and get the perfect post you're looking for.
  •     Get down on their level. Kneel down or even lay on the ground to get a great angle for each photo.
  •     Look for natural lighting. Use the brightest spot in the house which will make it easier for your camera to use quick shutter speed.
  •     Hold Toy or Treat. Get your pet to look straight at the camera 

Learn a New Trick 

During this quarantine is the best time to research and teach your dog or cat new tricks. You can teach your pet some common tricks such as to sit, roll over, or even to stand up. Put your pet's treats to use by rewarding your pet once he performs these tricks correctly. This can be a fun opportunity for you and your pet that will often take up your whole afternoon with fun and excitement 

Movie Night

If you are stuck at home during this quarantine period with your family than plan to have a movie night. Your dog or cat actually gets engaged with what’s happening on the screen, especially when the sounds from scenes are familiar sounds to them.

A good old fashion movie night with your pet is also a perfect way to deal with stress and anxiety by focusing your mind on other stuff. 

Make Homemade Dog or Cat Toys 

If your children are home from school, and looking for a project that will engage your entire family as well as your dog or cat then work on projects making fun toys for your pet's. 

 There is an abundance of Do it Yourself tutorials in reference to making home-made toys. One simple project involves making a rope toy by simply utilizing old t-shirts, jeans, or fabric you have around the house and will only take a few minutes to complete.

Foster A Pet

Foster a cat or dog with the goal of nurturing them for a while until they can be dispatched to a permanent home with a family who'll love them forever. 

Quarantine Instagram

Create a quarantine Instagram with pictures and videos showcasing the different activities with your pet and family.

Create a Doggy Fort 

Use some blankets, sheets, and pillows to create a doggy fort for your pet to play and snuggle in. Try hiding some of his favorite toys and treats within the fort to make his day.

Play Tug-of-War

Use an old towel, shirt, or old cloth and use it as a substitute for a rope toy and play an old fashion game of tug of war with your dog.

Train Your Pet to Speak

Is your pet an excessive vocalizer? Then train your dog or cat to be quiet on command. The objective is that your pet will learn that it’s okay to vocalize sometimes, but not constantly.

Treasure Hunt

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, so why not use it for fun treasure hunt. Using a small, treat (we recommend our Dog Biscuit recipe) hide some in different areas in the house for your dog to sniff out. 

Long Walks

While maintaining social distancing long walk outdoors is great exercise for you and your pet.

Play in A Sprinkler

During the days that are hot simply take out a sprinkler and enjoy chasing your pet back and forth under the water shower to keep both of you nice and cool.

Give Your Dog a Pawdicure

Use Pet-friendly nail polish (we recommend our Nail Polish) which comes a wide variety of colors to give your pet a makeover.

Balance Anything on His Nose

Teach your dog patience by teaching him how to balance small objects on his nose such as treats. It also helps to start with a dog who is a bit tired or mentally drained. 

Blow Bubbles

Try blowing bubbles in your back yard and watch your pet run after them with excitement as he tries to catch them. This game can be great exercise for your pet after being in the house for long periods of time.

Play Hide-and-Seek

Try playing an old fashion game of Hide and Seek with your pet and see if he can find you within the house. This game will tire your pet just enough for a few hours before you carry them for a walk.

Have a Steak Dinner

Cook you and your pet a wonderful dinner to enjoy one night to show your love and affection for him while watching some pet friendly movies.

Ride Along

While maintaining social distancing try taking your pet for a ride in your car so he can take in the different sceneries.