Kiddipedia
During the pandemic, our furry friends have found themselves a little spoilt, with their human companions spending more time at home. Working from home, home-schooling and lockdown restrictions preventing many of us from leaving the house or spending weekends away, has meant more time at home, keeping the fur babies occupied.
So, what happens when this ‘new normal’ set up comes to an end? With Australia due to take walkies into its first recession in 29 years, Rio Afero, Founder of PawsSpree shares some DIY tips and advice on keeping your pets occupied day in, day out, without breaking the bank.
TOYS
If the extra time at home has seen you wearing through your lounge-wear, before throwing out or recycling old clothes, consider them as make-shift pet toys.
Cutting up your used clothing – ensuring no edges are frayed, or can easily come apart – and braiding them into thick knots make fantastic chew-toys! Tie a knot at one end, and then braid like you’re braiding someone’s hair. For large animals, opt for a thicker braid, either my multi-layering the fabric or combining multiple garments into one knot.
Another great way to keep your pets out of mischief, is to make them a ‘snuffle’ mat. Snuffle mats make for a great alternative to digging and foraging, or for distif your pet is unable to venture outdoors or in need of some distraction when you’re not around.
To make a snuffle mat you will need a rubber mat with holes, like a non-slip shower mat or similar, an old dog blanket or piece of fleece (another great use for any old winter-warmers as we head into summer) and cut the fabric into 2cm by 20cm strips. Loop the fabric through the holes, two holes at a time, and tie in a knot. Repeat until the hole mat is covered. Drop some small treats or kibble into the holes, and watch your pet scrabble to find them! Sometimes for hours…
Just like humans, pets get bored. So, it is important to keep a regular rotation of toys at hand. Keep some of them aside, or hidden, so that when you re-introduce them they appear ‘as new’. This is a great way to keep your pet occupied without forever spending on new toys. Mix up the toy textures and purposes. For example, one can hide and dispense treats, one could be for teething and you could reserve one for throwing in the park. This method, aside from keeping pets occupied, also helps your toys to last longer.
GROOMING
Grooming can be costly, but cleaning up lost strands from your pets is also timely – so what is the solution? You may not know, but it is just as important for pets to feel as ‘comfortable in their own hair’ as we do, especially as the days become warmer.
Using the correct brush is key! Many pet owners either don’t know how to brush their pets correctly, or often don’t bother, which can result in a lot of mess. If your dog gets wet, it is advised that you towel-dry them first and thoroughly, and then brush them immediately to avoid their fur becoming knotty (just like children!) Focus on key areas that are more prone to knots, such as the belly, under-arms, face and neck.
TRAINING
If you have purchased a new pet during lockdown, and they have had the pleasure of your undivided attention, it is important to set clear boundaries from day one. Should the time come for you to return to work, you want to be sure that you’re not returning to a ripped up sofa, or worse, a surprise behind the sofa!
This can start with some simple rules. If in the long run, you don’t want your pet on the couch or bed, forbid this from day one.
We know that snuggles on the sofa with a new baby animal can be all-too-tempting, but compromise by purchasing your pet a nice ‘couch’ of their own, or special plush ‘chilling place’ close to you on the couch. If you feel the need to comfort them while relaxing, you can do so by their side, rather than having them come to you.
Once you set a rule, commit to some tough love and try not to crack at any crying or whining. Succumbing to this will teach the baby that this is how to get their own way.
Finally, always reward your pet for good behaviour, big or small. Try to mix up the rewards, so that they are not always treats. A pat, a toy or even a walk will signify a ‘reward’ and they will soon associate this with being a good boy or girl.
TREATS
Treats can be very expensive, for a number of reasons. Many pet owners today like to ensure their animals remain on strict diets. Some are vegetarian, gluten free and even organic, which will obviously have an impact when purchasing treats from a store.
Whatever your pets prefered palette, this is another area to ‘mix up’ – with some treats that you can prepare at home. Dehydrators are at the top of the appliance list at the moment, as they enable you to prepare great pet treats. You can dehydrate anything from thinly sliced chicken breast, slices of fruit and even carrots. These make for super healthy snacks and pet owners can rest easy knowing that they know exactly what is in the treat.
SUPPORT
Finding pet support can sometimes be stressful. Pet owners want to know that they are sending their loved ones to a good ‘babysitter’ and that the level of care is what would be given to them in their own home. Doggy day care can also be expensive, especially for those who are finding funds a little tight from the recent effects of the pandemic. This is where you can adopt, and portray, a real sense of community, which is exactly what PawsSpree is all about.
Where possible, connect with neighbours, and invest in the friendships made locally. You may find that you pet gets along particularly well with another local pet, or regular on your morning walk. In this case, you can offer to help walk their dog, or come to an arrangement where you can support each other’s pet-owning efforts on occasion. With so many of us now working from you, you will be surprised at how many more options are out there!
If this is not an option for you, visit the PawsSpree website for a list of our partner stores near you.
