Get closer to your dog.

See how much time they’ve spent running, walking, playing, pottering or resting with a PitPat dog activity monitor.
Lockdown isn’t forever, and when things do get back to normal, you need to make sure your dog is ready. After all, they’ve gotten used to their ‘new normal’ and the change in routine as lockdown is lifted could be troubling for them.
From managing their separation anxiety to visiting the vets, we’ve covered everything you need to help your dog adapt to their new routine.
With lots of dog owners working from home or furloughed, dogs across the UK have been happily enjoying high levels of ‘humans being at home’. But when we return to work, our dogs are going to need to get used to spending time without us again. Even dogs who previously managed well away from their owners will need considerate training to help them adapt.
For everything you need to know about separation anxiety, including tips for easing your dog into spending time alone, read our complete guide to separation anxiety.
Whilst many vets have stayed open for emergencies, many are now in a position to open their doors for their full range of services. However, with social distancing in place, your visit to the vet might be a little different.
Your veterinary surgery will have taken steps to ensure that both you and their staff are protected and able to maintain social distancing at all times. This could include:
All of these measures could be intimidating for your dog, so it’s important you take steps to keep them calm. If you have any concerns about the way the measure might affect your dog, make sure you discuss this with the veterinary team who will be able to put your mind at ease or find an alternative solution. Try not to miss out on routine care during this time – your dog still needs their check-ups and vaccinations to keep them happy and healthy!
Lots of people have been unable to access grooming services during lockdown, so it’s safe to assume that your groomer will be swamped with dogs needed their questionable DIY cuts tidied up. Like other businesses, groomers have introduced social distancing measures – in practice this means a distanced drop off and pick up system and limited appointment slots that may have to be prebooked.
If you normally accompany your dog at the groomers, you may need to accept that this is not an option – you could consider putting off a groom until measures are relaxed further or trying a basic groom at home instead.
Many doggy day care centres have been able to maintain their services throughout lockdown thanks to good social distancing. The main risk has always been drop off and pick up, which need to be managed so that staff and customers don’t need to come into contact with one another.
If your dog is visiting doggy day care for the first time (for example, if they are a puppy or were adopted during the lockdown) you will need to help them get used to the environment. Talk this over with your daycare providers – they will let you know the best course of action to take and be able to allay your concerns.
Much like doggy day care, dog walking has continued throughout the pandemic. The main risks for dog walkers is to avoid contact during pick up and drop off – this can be easily achieved by letting the dog make their own way between you and your dog walker in a safe environment (such as fenced garden). Alternatively, you could hook your dog’s lead round a post then step back for your dog walker to unhook them.
Face masks are required in lots of public areas, but for your dog they present a particular hazard. Studies have shown that dogs are able to read our facial expressions and respond – with a mask in the way this becomes much more difficult for them, and potentially concerning. If you notice your dog displaying unusual behaviour around people wearing masks (such as by shying away, being aggressive or defensive) then you need to make sure they get proper socialisation. Follow the steps below to start socialising them to masks.
See how much time they’ve spent running, walking, playing, pottering or resting with a PitPat dog activity monitor.
Whilst you’ve been on lockdown, you may have been using the time to get out an exercise more with your pup – and that’s great! However, once you’re back to work, it’s easy for that new exercise regime to slip.
Instead of throwing those good habits away, try and maintain the increase in exercise as much as possible, for you and your pooch. You can easily measure how much they are getting with a PitPat dog activity monitor, from just £39.
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