Keeping Your Dog Happy and Healthy Indoors

Not everybody loves being cooped up inside a space 24/7, even if it is your home and with the ones you love. Some people enjoy being outdoors, around lots of people, and following routine. A lot of dogs exhibit the same characteristics.

Staying in the same constricted space does things to your head. In dogs, they may start to present negative behavior. Your dog may chew items out of boredom, or stress eat and get heavier due to lack of activity.

Most dogs need some time in the sun. But certain situations may prevent you from providing even this basic need. The length of your dog’s coat may not be suited for the current climate, your pet recently had surgery, or a pandemic forces you to stay indoors. 

Whatever the reason may be, you need ways to keep yourself and your pet busy during this period of confinement. A brand selling pet foods in Dubai shares a few ideas on what you can do to keep your pooch safe, healthy and content while indoors.

Bring nature indoors

Something as simple as letting some light and air into your home does wonders for the psyche. With pet-proof screens on your windows and doors, your four-legged pal can keep itself preoccupied for hours watching the activity outside your home. Plus, it makes for an excellent spot for napping in the afternoons.

But why stop there? Why not join your pooch and enjoy the action from your porch or sofa? Do a bit of birdwatching or observe the other animals visiting your yard.

Exercise

With being indoors, a combination of high-quality pet food and learning how to stay active is essential to controlling weight and maintaining health. Learn how to maximise your space. See what you can use, but also consider your companion’s age and condition.

For instance, if your home has stairs, you can use it to play fetch. Throw a ball or a similar toy and have your pet bring it back to you. The activity makes for a good cardio workout as it exercises the heart, lungs, in addition to the legs.

Take note that this type of exercise may not be suitable for senior dogs or those with joint problems. In such cases, limit the pressure on the legs and knees by doing it on a flat surface instead.

Bring out the toys

Isolation is the perfect time to bring out all the toys you may have accumulated over the last several months or years. Take stock of what you have. Different types of toys perform a specific purpose.

For instance, ropes and similar tug toys require interaction with the owner. Other than strengthening the bond between you and your dog, you can use the toy to strengthen your pet’s muscles. Training schools also use it to reinforce obedience lessons, so use it to teach your dog about impulse control.

If you need some time to yourself, to do work or chores inside the home, make use of distraction toys. As the name implies, these types of toys keep your pooch preoccupied. Examples of distraction toys include puzzle toys, chew toys, and treat dispensers.

Try and see which ones your dog likes the most. Canines do have unique personalities, so one toy may work for some dogs and not for others. 

Even with treat-dispensing types, you will need to test out treats your pet responds to the most. Some contain smaller toys within the larger one, while others include crevices where you can insert treats or food, such as peanut butter.

Train your dog

Use the additional free time to learn about dog training and obedience techniques. Not only will the training make it easier to manage your dog, but it can also help both of you develop a closer bond with each other. Plus, the training teaches your dog how to socialize and get along with other dogs and humans – an essential skill, especially once you are out of isolation.

There are many potential sources for obedience learning. You could order books, read online sources, watch YouTube videos, sign up for courses, or join community forums, among others. Experiment and try out different techniques to see what works in your situation.

Did you ever want your dog to learn how to shake your hand or play dead on command? Now is the time to try out your hand in becoming a dog trainer and teaching your dog new tricks. 

Much like obedience training, there are plenty of sources where you can learn about dog tricks and how to teach them to your pet. Stock up on treats and give them a shot. By the end of your isolation period, you’ll be ready to impress your friends; at the same time, you’ll be impressed by what you and your pup have accomplished.

Groom your dog

Professional grooming services provide many benefits for both pets and their owners alike. But some situations may prohibit you from maintaining your routine visits to the groomers or even the vet. In such cases, you have to take charge and be responsible for grooming your pooch yourself.

A clean dog is a happy one. Learn how to bathe your dog, brush its coat, clean its teeth, remove wax from the ears, and even trim its nails. Performing these activities will not only teach you how to take care of your dog but also observe any potential issues.

For instance, brushing your dog’s coat will allow you to see its skin more clearly. Brushing can make you notice skin issues, bald spots, or areas where the fur is thinning out. Take note of these issues and see which needs to be looked at right away.

Staying indoors doesn’t have to be boring or an ordeal for you and your pet. As you can see, there many things that you can do during your spare time. These are only a few examples of what you can do with your companion.

Try them out and see what works. Perhaps you may even come up with your own ideas of having fun and staying healthy with your pet indoors.

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AUTHOR BIO

Farah Al-Khojai is the Managing Partner of Pet’s Delight. A passionate entrepreneur, Farah holds a Bsc in Government from the London School of Economics. She is always on the lookout for new opportunities to develop and grow the pet and equestrian retail and wholesale market in the UAE and beyond, and is proud to be at the helm of the first and the largest pet care provider in the market representing world-class brands including Orijen, Applaws, Hunter, Savic, Flamingo, Ruffwear and Rogz.