Ten Ideas to Connect with your Pet During a Quarantine

During this difficult time that we are going through battling with COVID-19 epidemic, self-quarantined, and isolated spending time with our pets can be a great remedy. While it might sound like from one another and work from home, a dream for most dogs to have their owners hanging around and never leaving. But it is out of their norm, the lack of regular play dates and isolation can get challenging.

We’ve compiled 10 suggestions to help you entertain your pets while making your together time more meaningful and fun:

Louie de Coton

1. Movie and nap

Most pet owners are clear about the immediate joys that come with sharing their lives with companion animals. However, many of us don’t realize the physical and mental health benefits that can also accompany the pleasure of snuggling up to our furry friend. They are attuned to humans and our behavior and emotions. Dogs, for example, are able to understand many of the words we use, but they’re even better at interpreting our tone of voice, body language, and gestures. Pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness. No wonder the studies show pet owners live longer. Reserve the comfiest spot on the couch and watch a canine- friendly flick together — like “101 Dalmatians,” “Best in Show” or “Marley & Me” — and snuggle up for a nap. We can’t think of anything dreamier.

2. Massage your dog

There are lots of benefits in massaging your dog. Your dog learns to feel safe with you. Touch works on a whole other level of bonding. When you’re massaging your dog, a silent communication happens, soul to soul if you’ll let it. Because of this, massage can actually help in training. It aids enormously with your interactions in terms that your dog can understand. Dog massage gives your dog your love! It increases the bond you already have with your dog. And it is very relaxing for you too.

Louie de Coton, doga

3. Try “Doga” (dog yoga) session on YouTube

Just breathe. A dog-friendly yoga session will help with that and more (like stretching) and, most importantly, bonding with your pooch. Doing downward dog with your best friend by your side has to be on every dog-lover’s bucket list.

4. Give your dog a mani-pedi

Now that most grooming spas are closed. You can leave clipping to a professional, but nail color? That’s all you! Pet-friendly nail polish comes in a wide variety of colors — in a polish pen and traditional bottle-and-brush form. So why not give your dog a pop of color on those claws? The Instagram paw-sibilities are endless.

Louie de Coton, dog puzzle, dog treat

5. Challenge your dog with dog puzzles

The overall benefits of play for your dog can never be underestimated. But daily activity is not just for your dog’s physical health: the benefit is mental too. Without sufficient stimulation, dogs are bound to get bored, and your favorite pillows or shoes may suffer as a result (bored dogs tend to be prone to nervous behavior which can be perceived as being – for lack of a better term – naughty). Dog puzzles are great to keep them busy while it is fun to see them find the treat.

6. Teach your dog a new trick

Looking to distract yourself and your dog? Training goes a long way toward stimulating and exercising dogs who were stuck inside during a quarantine. Dogs who are used to a lot of physical activity can handle more physically demanding training such as physical tricks like spins, rollovers, sitting pretty or weaving between an owner’s legs. Regardless of the age, dogs like to learn new things, so give them a challenge by teaching them awesome new ways to impress you (and your friends). Your pup’s stunts will be the talk of your next house party.

Louie de Coton, pupuccino, dog treat

7. Snag a Puppuccino at Starbucks or make a homemade one

While it’s not on the menu, every coffee-loving dog person has a friend in Starbucks who serves up Puppuccinos for canines if you ask. (It’s a simple concoction: whipped cream in a small cup.) As long as your dog is dairy- tolerant, you’ve found yourself a new coffee run companion.

8. Walk, run or hike together

Walking the dog has been a popular diversion for many enduring the coronavirus quarantine with pets playing an important role in helping humans get through this difficult time. While exercising and getting fresh air has added benefits for humans. Daily exercise dogs are both happier and healthier than dogs who do not get the same amount of exercise – that’s why it’s always recommended to take your dogs on regular walks. short walk in a new neighborhood with lots of new scents is a great stimulation for dog’s brain. While getting fresh air is great for you too. Try to enjoy the spring flowers and smell them. If you have a pup with a high energy, then go for run. Nothing tires out a pup with lots of energy like a long run. Some dogs are better suited for longer distances than others, so consider your pup’s health, the temperature outside, and always bring fuel, like healthy treats and water. If you have a small dog and plan a long walk or hike bringing a pooch bag is a great idea such as Louie de Coton, that is breathable and with lots of pockets you can store water bottle, collapsible cup, treats and your personal items. Make sure to keep social distancing with other dog owners.

Louie de Coton, homemade dog treats

9. Make homemade dog treats as a family

Baking is relaxing and fun specially when you get kids involved. They love to help, and it is a great learning experience. What is more special than making healthy treats for our fido? For great yummy and easy recipes check out our Pinterest @louiedecoton. We also listed few simple recipes on our previous blogs. Just pay attention to your dog’s allergies and health condition. For example, if your dog has diabetes you don’t want to add any sugar or molasses. You can freeze some extra treats in air tight freezer bags for up to 6 months.

10. Show them all the love and attention while building a new skill

Engaging with your pup is important - have your phone ready and capture their funny pictures and send it to a friend or relative. What is cuter than a picture or video of your dog or cat? Your friends will thank you. We have done it and with our friends and many tell me I brightened their stressful day. If they have Instagram page, post it on their page and challenge others to post fun pictures of their dogs and cats and tag you. Just have fun with your best friend but respect their space! Sometimes they want to be left alone and are not available to entertain us.  Maintaining a sense of normalcy in households can get tricky when quarantining because of coronavirus. Especially when you factor in the canine members of your family. Please let us know how you and your pup is coping with stay at home order. The ideas and challenges you encountered.

Do you have any tips to share?

Let us know in the comments below!

Back to blog