Conquer stress and take the dog for a walk. I have made an addition to this post.
Update: This article was written before a good portion of the world had to go into some variation of lockdown or voluntary isolation.
The information, has now been updated to include information and reflect on preparedness if you are a pet owner and may need to temporarily separate from your pet. We also know how incredibly important our pets, dogs and cats became in lockdown.
You may not need to self isolate any longer, however we also do not know what may happen in the future so being prepared, like a good boy scout, is a good thing.
Go Straight To Conquer Stress and Take The Dog For A walk
Be Pet Prepared In Case A Pet Carer Is Required
Ensure that you have enough pet food and other general supplies, like cat litter, for an extended period of time, at least two weeks but preferably longer. It is possible that you may need to ask someone else to purchase these items. Your cat may have special dietary needs, for example a protein diet.
If someone in your house becomes ill, have a family member or friend on standby to look after your pet if that becomes necessary.
Have their contact details stored with the medication instructions.
Free Download – Pet Checklist, a place to store your pet’s information in one place. Fill in the information, and then it is always ready when needed.
If you are still able to visit a veterinarian make sure that all vaccinations are up to date and that the vaccination information is easily accessible. If your animal has to go to boarding facilities, up to date vaccinations are essential.
If your pet requires medication, for example, insulin, make sure that you have adequate supplies (ASPCA recommends 30 days).
Include details of the administering regime. It is safer to have too much information rather than not enough thus eliminating any guesswork.
Consider other information that would be helpful for a carer.
What time of day is your pet fed?
How much food is appropriate?
What commands does your pet respond to?
Does your pet have any special needs due to age, for example, a raised food bowl for older animals.
This information can also be written on the Pet Checklist, which is a Free Download. Here is more information about the Pet Checklist.
Is your pet micro-chipped?
If your pet is microchipped, consider the information that was on the chip when it was implanted. Is it out of date now?
People move one, partners change, phone numbers change. It is certainly worth making sure that the information on the microchip is up to date.
Does Your pet Have An ID Tag?
Make sure your pet has a collar with an up-to-date ID tag.
This ID tag is soundless; it does not clang in the middle of the night (it is worth its weight in gold).
Link to Centers For Disease Control and Prevention – More information about pets and Covid-19.
Pets Improve Mental and Physical Health
Stress often tops the list of workplace grievances that affect people in a negative manner on a day-to-day basis.
It may be the work itself that causes stress; it may be the working environment, perhaps it is the effect working long hours is having on family members; or any other number of factors that impact our daily lives.
It is no surprise that on the way home from work, our thoughts often turn to our plans for when we actually arrive home, to our safe haven.
Some form of relaxation is usually at the top of the list.
Owning a pet has positive health benefits for owners, as shown in numerous studies. Pet ownership can help reduce blood pressure and improve general and mental health. It is no wonder that pet ownership is increasing.
According to the US Census Bureau
Over the decade ending in 2017, sales of pet care services doubled, to a total of $5.8 billion, according to the latest Economic Census statistics.
Conquer Stress And Take The Dog For A Walk
If you have a pet, and that’s about 60 million American households, caring for the pet and exercising the pet is a priority.
As a dog owner that means taking Fido for a walk after work even on those days when you may not feel like heading out the door again. And…the dog knows, it’s walk time. Are any dogs actually called Fido?
No Ordinary Dog Walk
Taking the dog for a walk after work is what millions of us do when we get home, but how often do we just grab the lead and other dog walking essentials and head out the door on automatic pilot?
Often it can seem more like a chore. Why not change the route? When you are in a relaxed state of mind, make a list of nearby places that would be great to walk the dog.
Once you start thinking of places to visit the ideas do tick over easily.
What about that cool coffee shop you keep meaning to visit, or the park that looks super inviting with shady trees, or the lake with the walking path?
Sometimes these places are so close to home, and yet we still stick to the familiar route out of habit.
If you have friends or family nearby, pop in to visit them, even if it’s just to say hello and have a glass of water before returning home.
Take a note of your stress levels when you have taken the dog for a walk. Taking the dog for a walk is a great de stressor.
Visit some of new places you have identified.
Instead of just going through the motions of walking the dog, you will both enjoy a change in routine and come home de-stressed. You may just find a new favorite walking route.
Make The Day Of An Elderly Person
Hello there! What a beautiful dog you are!
Pets make excellent de stressors for elderly people.
This has recently and will continue to be shown in numerous retirement centers by including pet visits for the elderly.
Conquer stress and take the dog for a walk to visit an elderly neighbor or someone you know who may be lonely and would welcome a visit from you both.
Pets are great icebreakers. Often, it is easier to have a chat if a pet is there to fuss over.
You will de stress by talking to someone who will really appreciate a visit from you and your pet. The visit does not need to be long. This one may be as easy as popping next door to visit an elderly neighbor or may require a little forward planning.
Magic Massage Glove
Use the glove to give your cat or dog a gentle massage whilst removing excess hair at the same time. It works brilliantly well!
Your dog doesn’t know what treat is in store with a massage using one of these magic massage gloves.
Have you used a massage glove on your dog or cat?
I have recently bought one of these gloves and they really are magic. I am quite addicted to using it. The dog absolutely adores the attention, and as a grooming tool, it efficiently removes excess hair, which is a double bonus.
They are easy to use, there is absolutely nothing to set up, just pop the glove on, and you are away. Your pet will be in heaven, and you will both be relaxed. They are equally good for dogs and cats.
This is not to replace a dog walk but is a nice way to finish the walk and spend a little extra time cuddling your dog.
Baking Doggy Treats
Are you someone who relaxes by heading to the kitchen?
I am more likely to stay away from the kitchen, but nevertheless, I agree that making healthy treats for your dog or cat is an excellent idea and a worthwhile activity. Apart from the health perspective, it will often be economical to bake your own healthy treats.
Bake some dog or cat treats that are healthy for your pet.
Your pet will love you to bits and may not even mind foregoing the walk to have a treat made by you or pop some treats into a suitable container and take them with you on the walk.
Be The Person Your Dog Thinks You Are
This would have to be one of my favorite quotes
Be the person your dog thinks you are
This sums up what your dog thinks of you and of course your dog loves and adores you and thinks you are the most special person in the world.
I think it is not a bad motto to live by.
Spending time with your pet each day is a special time, and just look at those adoring eyes.
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