How to keep your pets fit during lockdown

There is hope for animal lovers who are wondering how to keep their four-pawed friends busy, entertained and fit during the lockdown period.

Since the lockdown has started, residents have not been allowed to take their pets for a walk  or play with them in a park, but fortunately Bloemfontein Courant could contact an expert on animals for tips on how to keep your best friend fit.

In an interview with senior inspector of the Bloemfontein SPCA, Reinet Meyer, she mentioned that this is actually a good time to spend more quality time with your pet.

“The good thing about it is that you will have more than enough time to bath your dog. Or you can teach him to be comfortable walking on a leash – of course only in your yard. You can also teach your dog to sit at your command, or to jump over obstacles or do some tricks. Praise him and reward him with a treat if he succeeds in doing so,” Meyer added.

According to her, this is also an ideal time to get your animal fit by doing various activities at home. “Hide treats all over the house for example and encourage him to look for it. Play ball with him and teach him to obey by commanding him to ‘sit, walk, lie down’. Another popular game is hide and seek.

“Take nice photos of your pet. This can give you hours of pleasure. We would like to request people to inbox their best photo of the day to the the SPCA’s Facebook page, describing their animals and where the piucture was taken. We can all then see how proud you are of your pet and it will also entertain everybody else,” Meyer suggested.

She also recommends that people contact their own vet or the SPCA’s emergency number in case of need. The SPCA will also provide the number of a vet who is open if necessary.

Pierce van Heerden

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