Keeping your dog fit and lean during social distancing

During ongoing social distancing measures, keeping your dog fit and lean requires careful attention to exercise, diet, and mental stimulation. While daily walks remain permitted, their length and quality need to be maximised safely to maintain your dog's health and happiness.

1. Know Your Dog’s Starting Point: Weigh and Assess

Begin by weighing your dog to establish a baseline. Use a scale at home or weigh yourself holding your dog then subtract your own weight. Assess your dog’s build objectively, as the right weight varies by breed and individual. Knowing their shape helps you monitor healthy changes during social distancing.
We recommend consulting your vet if you’re unsure about your dog’s ideal weight or body condition.

2. Adjust Food Intake Based on Exercise Changes

With many dogs getting less exercise due to restrictions, reduce food portions accordingly to avoid weight gain. Measuring out treats and adjusting main meals helps balance caloric intake. Weekly weigh-ins can help you track progress and make further dietary changes if needed.
Choose high-quality, balanced dog food that meets your pet’s nutritional needs without excess calories.

3. Maximise the Quality of Daily Walks

Your dog’s walk might be limited to once per day, so make it count. Avoid crowded areas such as popular parks or woodland where social distancing may be challenging, and stick to less busy pavements or quiet routes. Use toys to encourage energetic play, such as fetch, to help your dog burn more calories.
Remember to maintain UK government social distancing guidelines of at least 2 metres from other people and dogs to keep everyone safe.

4. Supplement Outdoor Exercise with Indoor and Garden Activities

If you have a safe garden, use it to let your dog run and play off the lead under supervision. Interactive games like hide-and-seek or tug-of-war indoors provide both physical and mental stimulation. Short bursts of play help keep your dog’s heart rate up and prevent boredom.
If you live in a flat or have no garden, consider safe indoor toys and enrichment to keep your dog active and engaged.

5. Avoid Strenuous Exercise and Monitor Your Dog’s Health

Strenuous or high-impact exercise is not advised during social distancing due to potential limited access to veterinary services. Observe your dog for signs of fatigue or reluctance to continue exercising, and allow rest periods as needed to prevent injuries.
Maintaining a balance between activity and rest supports your dog’s wellbeing during these times.

6. Incorporate Mental Stimulation

Mental health is as important as physical fitness. Employ puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, or basic obedience training sessions at home to keep your dog’s mind sharp. This helps reduce stress and behavioural problems related to boredom during confinement.

7. Practice Good Hygiene and Responsible Ownership

Clean your dog’s paws and coat after walks to remove any potential contaminants. Limit non-essential visits to the vet or groomers to reduce exposure risk, but don't hesitate to seek urgent care when needed. Responsible dog ownership during social distancing helps protect your pet, yourself, and your community.

By following these steps, you can manage your dog’s fitness and happiness even with reduced outdoor exposure. Adjusting diet, maximising exercise quality, and ensuring mental stimulation will keep your dog in top form throughout any social distancing period.

For those considering getting a dog or adding to their family post-pandemic, remember to source pets responsibly. Find puppies from reputable breeders or consider adoption to give dogs a loving home.