Quarantining With Your Dog In NYC

Photo by TeamDAF

There’s no denying that things are different right now. As sheltering in place, social distancing, and (for many of us) working from home has become our “new normal” for a while, it can take some getting used to. But humans aren’t the only ones affected by this change in routine. While our pups are likely loving having us home more, most of us have to work and can’t give our pets the all-day attention they want. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your pup occupied as we adapt to hunkering down for a while.

A good place to start is to identify what most motivates your pet. Is it walks? Games or puzzles? Food? Toys? Affection? Knowing what your canine friend craves the most can help set you up to succeed in keeping them happy and occupied. Let’s dig in to a little more detail on each of these approaches.

Exercise

Making sure your pup gets adequate daily exercise is essential. Dogs can sleep 12-14 hours a day (which equals more quality work-from-home time for you!) but getting that rest will be a lot easier if your pup has been tired out a bit. 

Photo by Fotokostic

• Consider a nice long walk outside in the mornings, keeping at least 6 feet away from others, of course!

• Take your pup to the park for some fetch with a ball, disc, or stick (just make sure you are adhering to the Parks’ “Off Leash Hours” and again, keep your distance from other dog owners)

• Make sure you wear a face mask and gloves while outside in case you have to handle another dog while playing with your own. Because, let’s face it, dogs are going to be drawn to one another. They don’t understand “social distancing”.
  
  
  

Toys/Puzzles/Games

Dogs also need to have their brains engaged during the day. Here are some great options to keep your pup occupied and content. Of course, any snuggle or play breaks during your work day will also be welcomed and enjoyed!

• Chew toys

  • For long days at home, long-lasting chew toys are a lifesaver. Some pups just can’t get enough chewing, so set them up for success with something durable and fun!

  • Make sure your pup has a chew toy appropriate for their size and chewing prowess. 

    • Smaller pups and casual chewers may enjoy something like these Nylabone or Greenies chews. 

    • Aggressive chewers may can feast their chompers on the more durable  West Paw or go more natural with bully sticks or antlers

• Retrieving toys

  • For some pups, there’s nothing better than a game of fetch! Whether it’s a tennis ball, a frisbee, or something like this Chuck It! fetch toy (which can also float in water!) your pup is sure to appreciate the exercise and the quality time with you.

  • Don’t have a pitcher’s arm? No problem! Devices like this Chuck It! ball launcher can have you throwing like the pros.

Photo by Peter Kniez

• Tug toys 

  • many dogs enjoy playing tug of war. It’s a great way to get some energy out indoors, too! Choose a tug toy that will be durable and comfortable for you to hold. 

  • A smaller pup may enjoy playing tug of war with a rope toy or something like this Kong Floppy toy

  • Bigger, stronger pups or pups with a more aggressive pull may enjoy the sturdier Leaps and Bounds toss and tug or the super sturdy GoughNuts pull toy.

• Treat dispensing toys

  • Food or treat dispensing toys usually come in rubber or plastic and are a great way to off your pup mental stimulation and focus their energy.

  • Toys can be filled with food or treats, or shake it up a bit and fill with peanut butter or plain yogurt. 

  • During the warmer months, these filled toys can be stored in the freezer for a refreshing treat.

  • Kongs are probably the most popular and easiest to find! 

• Interactive feeding toys

  • These kinds of feeding toys are great for curious pups and contain compartments that hold food or treats and your dog must use their cognitive skills to figure out how to access the goodies! 

  • Toys like the Trixie Activity Flip Board and the Pet Zone IQ treat ballare great for hiding smaller treats and kibble

• Lick Mats

  • Lick Mats are great for food-driven pups! A lick mat can provide a nice challenge for a pup and has the added benefit of being a soothing activity for most dogs. 

  • Lick mats come in all shapes and sizes. Check out Hyper Pet or Helpcook (these even have suction cups on the back so it can be anchored to a wood or tile floor or used as a distraction during a bath!)

• Foraging/Burrowing toys

  • Great for breeds like terriers who have an instinct to burrow

  • Zippy Paws come in all kinds of adorable themes and designs

  • Snuffle mats are also great for burrowers! A snuffle mat encourages nose work by hiding bits of kibble or treats in fabric, pockets, or soft compartments. I can personally attest to how much my pup loved this Routesun Difflife  snuffle mat  from Amazon!

Toy tip: keep favorite toys hidden or out of sight when not actively playing with them. It will keep the toy exciting and fresh and will help your pup feel like a new toy or game every time you bring it out!

Photo by Javier Brosch

Pet Friendly Technology

Another great option to occupy your pets is the same media we usually turn to for entertainment. Oftentimes pups find the radio or a calming playlist soothing, some streaming services have programs targeted to pets, and Audible even has audio books made specifically for our doggos’ listening pleasure. Check out Cesar Milan's Guide to Audiobooks for Dogs.

If you’re concerned about getting any of these products while social distancing, never fear! Amazon and Chewy.com are still delivering. The PetCo stores in the Upper West and Upper East sides are also offering in-store pickup for online orders. Some even offer same day delivery. Please call your local pet stores for details. 

The world definitely feels different right now,  but the love and companionship of our furry friends is, luckily, a constant we can rely on. Aren’t animals just the best? 

Written By Heather Leonardi

Contributing Author