It is commonly known that dogs will comfort their people during illness or injury. A few weeks ago, I was unwell with a bad cold, and all three dogs stayed with me. They knew I wasn’t well enough to take them out or play with them, and they were content hanging out with me, offering cuddles.
Tips for keeping your furry friend entertained
We enjoy looking after our pets, but we may be unable to take care of them as we normally do when we are battling an illness. So, what can we do when we are unable to see to our dog's needs due to illness or injury? The blog post will give you some suggestions on what you can do when not feeling well enough.
Some ideas on how to entertain your dog when you're ill - Table of contents:
1. Allow your dog to snuggle up to you.
When facing the challenge of how to entertain your dog when you're ill, one straightforward yet highly effective approach is to allow them to snuggle up with you. Renowned for their intuitive nature, dogs often display a remarkable sense of empathy. Permitting your dog to share the warmth of your bed or couch creates a bonding experience that comforts you and reassures your pet.
As your dog nestles close, the shared warmth and the rhythmic beat of their heart can be a source of solace for both of you, fostering a sense of security and companionship during times of sickness. So, don't underestimate the power of a good snuggle – it's a simple yet effective way to address the question of how to entertain your dog when you're ill while offering them the reassurance they need when more active play might not be feasible.
2. Mentally stimulating indoor activities.
Another idea worth mentioning for days when you're wondering how to entertain your dog when you're ill is to give them a chew toy to occupy themselves. One of the simplest methods to ensure your dog is entertained while you recover is to provide them with interactive toys. These toys are crafted to challenge your dog's cognitive abilities and can keep them preoccupied for quite some time. Sprinkle your dog's meals indoors or outdoors, as this will engage their sense of smell and hunting for food.
Take, for example, a simple empty box: you can place food inside the box and then layer it with empty plastic bottles, toys, or balls, for example. Your canine friend will likely invest considerable time and effort in meticulously removing every crumb of food from the box, giving you a valuable opportunity to have some peaceful time for yourself to rest and relax and enjoy observing your dog. Dogs that love shredding may leave some cardboard pieces that can easily be cleared up later on.
3. Fun without the Sun.
Even if you're not feeling well enough to go outside for a walk or train your dog, plenty of indoor activities can help burn off some of your dog's energy. Hide-and-seek is an excellent game that doesn't require much physical effort but keeps your dog engaged and trains your recall. Start by showing your dog a treat or their favourite toy, then hide it somewhere in the house while they watch. Then, give them the cue to find it. As they get better at the game, you can start hiding the item without them seeing where it goes for an added challenge.
Try training to do tricks like crawling under a kitchen chair, waving with a paw, turning around, etc.), which is also an excellent option. This can be a lot of fun and can be done in short sessions throughout the day—a wonderful opportunity for both you and your dog to explore something new and have fun together. When you feel completely exhausted, let your dog indulge in some harmless play with a plastic bottle. Cut holes in it (just a bit bigger than your kibble or treats), and let them flip and spin it for as long as you can bear the noise.
4. Ask a friend.
Another possibility worth considering when you are unsure how to entertain your dog when you're ill is asking a dog-walking friend to take your dog out. Such an arrangement would give your dog the opportunity to expend pent-up energy and engage in social interactions with their canine friend while simultaneously giving you a chance to take a break and rest.
5. Hire a professional dog walker.
When you find yourself unable to walk your dog for a prolonged period of time and family members are unavailable, consider the invaluable option of using the services of a professional dog walker. This option takes the weight off your shoulders, providing your furry friend with the outdoor adventure they love. A professional dog walker ensures that your dog gets the essential exercise and fresh air it needs and brings a new perspective to its day during a period of your illness.
6. How to entertain your dog when you're ill - Bottom line.
Being ill or injured is never fun, especially when you have an energetic dog that needs attention and exercise. Your dog may just want to stay with you, and a quick toilet walk or trip to the garden is all they want.
Remember that every dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. It may take some trial and error to figure out what activities best entertain your dog when you're ill, but stay patient - after all, they're probably just as worried about you as you are about them.
I hope you feel better soon. Please do not feel guilty if your dog does not engage in physical activity for a day or possibly two days; it is unlikely to cause significant harm.
If you have a friend, family member, or fellow dog enthusiast who might be interested in this blog article, share it with them. Spread the because, let's face it, who wouldn't want to discover the secrets to turning ill days into tail-wagging fiestas for their furry companions?