How to de-stress with your pets during coronavirus measures
Pets have been proven to help reduce anxiety and stress for their owners, so using time at home together to strengthen your bond will benefit you both.
From playing games and training to simply relaxing on the sofa, there are many ways to de-stress with your pet.
De-stressing with your dog
There are many games you can play with your dog to keep them mentally stimulated during this difficult time, while helping to take your mind off the news. A great way to strengthen your bond is with a game of hide and seek.
In the same way that you can use the ‘find it!’ game to ask your dog to sniff out treats and toys; you can also ask them to find people.
To begin, you ideally need two people to play the game. Here's how:
• While one person goes to hide, the other will keep the dog distracted
• When the other person is hidden, the person with the dog will say ‘find’ and then say the person’s name ie ‘find Emily!’
• When your dog finds you, be sure to make a big fuss over them
Keep this simple to begin with, hiding in obvious places where they can see you. When they approach you, give them lots of attention and repeat the exercise. You can increase the difficulty as your dog gets used to the game.
Read more ideas for indoor games with dogs
De-stressing with your cat
When it comes to playing with your cat, the key is not to play rough and tumble games that can encourage your pet to grab and bite you.
If you’re feeling experimental, why not train your cat to do tricks using a clicker? This is good fun for both of you and keeps your cat’s mind – and your own – active. Be sure to keep the training light-hearted and never force them to do anything.
But any cat owner will tell you that one of the most relaxing things is the sound of their pet purring and kneading their lap. After all it’s their way of telling you that they’re happy and relaxed – and a content cat makes for a calmer owner! Encourage this soothing behaviour by laying out a thick blanket across your lap while avoiding any claws in your legs.