COVID-19 and Your Dog

Coronavirus (Covid-19) and Your Dog

We have been faced with probably the most difficult challenge of our lifetime. Covid-19 has affected everyone all over the world.

COVID-19 Has Changed Us

It has our economy turned upside down, our daily lives changed for what might be forever, and many families will never be the same. However, there are a few positive outcomes to these particularly challenging times.

Dogs Are Enjoying Extra Time With Families

This is providing our pups with around the clock company, entertainment, and playtime.

Increase In Pet Adoptions

Another positive outcome has been the rate of pet being adopted from shelters. Many reports indicate that pet adoptions have dramatically increased during the last few months. Fox Business News on April 21, 2020 reported, “As of March 15, more than 1,500 people had completed online foster applications in New York City and Los Angeles, according to an ASPCA spokesperson – which is equivalent to an approximate 500 percent increase from ‘traditional application numbers’.”

Those adoptions are great outcomes for dogs as well as for the people adopting them. However, learning to live together on a full time basis has its challenges when it comes to maintaining harmony in the home.

Tips For a Successful Home Quarantine

Here are a few tips for a successful quarantine life and eventual return to work/school:

- Have a daily routine with your dog and your family. Get up early. Get the entire family, including the dog, to go for a walk. Have different family members walk the dog and make sure they are doing it properly.
- Occasionally wear a face covering around the house to get your dog accustomed to people with masks.
- Train your dog. Take five minutes with your dog twice per day. Pick one task at the time and practice it a few times.
- Engage your dog mentally. Play scent games or practice a few commands throughout the day.
- Give your dog some “kennel time” everyday. It does not have to be long but make sure your dog has some quiet time alone. Eventually, members of the family will return to work and to school and your dog should be accustomed to spending time alone in the kennel.
- Be consistent. Do not let the dog engage in behaviors now that you would not allow later. For instance, if you let your dog jump on the couch with the kids to watch TV but you would not like to see that behavior later, then do not allow it now. Again, be consistent. Breaking an undesirable behavior is more difficult than preventing one.
- Hire a professional dog trainer who can help you reach the goals you have set for your dog. AZ Dog Sports offers many different classes. You have options for indoor, outdoor or online classes to choose from.

Did You Know?

Canine Coronavirus Disease (CCoV) virus is a highly contagious intestinal infection that affects mostly puppies.
CCoV does not affect people and it is not related to Covid-19
The World Organization For Animal Health states, “ To date, there is no evidence that animals play an epidemiologically relevant role in spreading the human disease”.