Worried about taking care of Ddog if we get ill

[Pteuropa]

We currently both have a stomach bug, we’re managing to look after our 6 month old pup between us but yesterday we had to leave him in the kitchen for 4 hours (he was fine, I couldn’t hear any fuss so I think he must have just been asleep while we were both being ill).

It’s just worried me that if we got covid and were pretty much bed bound for 2/3 weeks what on earth do you do?! I’m guessing the chances are you wouldn’t be ill at the same time but pup is used to 2 small walks a day, one off the lead sniff around mid day.

We have no one he can go to.

I’d just like someone to say that letting him out in the garden and feeding him so doing the absolute basics, wouldn’t ‘damage’ him.

I feel silly posting about it really as I know there’s single parents out there with young children etc and this is ‘just’ a dog but can anyone reassure me please?

[billybagpuss]

Do you have a garden?

Don’t worry too much, as long as he’s getting his wee’s and poo’s he’ll be fine.

See if you can get some brain training toys for him, then hopefully you both won’t be ill at the same time and can amuse him like you would a toddler.

[Clymene]

Throw a sa all handful of kibble around the room and get him to find them. Play games with him when you feel up to it. Teach him tricks. That will wear out a puppy!

[BiteyShark]

A temporary blip won't harm him. Despite the 'dogs must have 2 walks a day' advice most can cope without that. However, we have never had strict routines so my dog never thinks it's x-o'clock and therefore we must go out so chances do not stress him.

My dog has had numerous illnesses and injuries resulting in enforced rest for a few weeks at a time. You could get chews in or toys but over the years I have found the best way to keep him settled is to just be quiet and stay with them with a very boring environment. Mine (working cocker) used to just accept the boredom and settle.

When I have been ill rather then the dog the hardest part was getting up for the numerous pees he would want in the garden. If the weather isn't too cold and your garden is safe from escape and destruction then I would recommend keeping the door open for toileting.

[AdoreTheBeach]

Local churches in our area are gathering lists of volunteers to help those self isolating or are ill. One aspect of volunteering is dog walking. Contact your closest church, does not need to be of a faith you believe in (even if you don’t have a faith).