Can I Walk My Dog During a Shelter in Place?
What a crazy year this last week has been! With the rapid transmission of the coronavirus and the fallout, it’s left in its wake, the earth looks a whole lot different now and likely will for some time. Citizens in cities all over the world have been ordered to shelter-in-place, a drastic measure that intends to stop the virus from spreading too quickly….and hopefully not much more at all.
The shelter in place has caused plenty of confusion for residents. People wonder what they’re allowed to do: Go to the grocery store? Go to work? Run to the pharmacy?
Among pet owners, the most common question: Can I walk my dog?
The answer is a little complicated.
First of all, if you’ve tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms that suggest disease, or have known exposure, you shouldn’t be outside at all. In fact, it’s even recommended that you avoid as much contact with your pet as possible. While vets don’t believe dogs can get it, per se, it can live on the surface of their fur (much like it can live on the surface of a counter). Theoretically, this makes it possible for your dog to transmit it to someone else.
The safest option is to allow a friend or family member to care for your dog as you mend.
If you haven’t been exposed and you’re feeling fine, you are most likely allowed to walk your dog with a few restrictions. One, you need to walk your dog in close proximity to your home – you should not be driving to dog parks or hiking trails. Two, you should maintain six feet of space from others when you’re outside (though you don’t need to maintain space from family members or people you live with). You should also obey any curfews your city may have set.
If you live in an urban area and are used to walking your dog down heavily populated streets, consider going off the beaten path where you’re less likely to run into others. Keep in mind that outside is a reprieve for many (not just pet owners) so it takes extra effort to maintain the required space. When you return home, make sure to wipe down your dog’s paws as an extra precaution.
Some cities around the globe have stricter rules regarding what people can and cannot do during these extreme times. And some are not allowing any outdoor activities at all, including jogs around the block or walks with your pet. Make sure to check your local restrictions before going out and about.
Playing with Your Dog in the Home
If you prefer not to walk the city streets or a loop around the suburbs, you can still exercise your dog while staying put. If you have a backyard, now’s the time to use it…a lot. You can play many games of fetch in a small amount of space.
If you’re stuck inside a home or apartment, try running stairs with your pooch, having them jump on and off the bed several times in a row, or playing indoor scent games. You might also want to order toys that will stimulate their minds (such as those that hide food). And, if you have a
treadmill, try to teach them how to run on it. Be patient – they might be afraid of it at first (humans feel that way sometimes, too).
While your dog is thrilled that you’re home, they have no way of understanding why their routine is disrupted. So, try to stick to it where you’re able. But give yourself plenty of breaks too. We’re all just doing the best we can.
JJ Keeler lives in Colorado with a house full of pets. She owns three dogs, two cats, and a hamster she bought as a bribe to get her daughter to ride the school bus. She has a BA in English Literature from the University of Colorado and has worked as a professional writer for fifteen years. Her clothes are perpetually covered in pet hair.
