How to care for your dog during the coronavirus ‘lockdown’

May 13, 2020

As a dog owner, you’re likely to have lots of questions about how to care for, socialise and exercise your puppy or dog while stringent measures are in place to tackle coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK.

The latest guidance from the UK government requires everyone to:

stay at home as much as possible
work from home if you can
limit contact with other people
keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
wash your hands regularly

You should not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.

In this guide we cover issues such as how to make sure your dog continues to get the exercise they need, what to do about your puppy’s vaccinations, and how to keep up with your puppy’s socialisation and training schedule during these challenging times.

We will be constantly updating this guide with the latest information and resources, so please check back frequently. There are some differences in the measures between England, Wales and Scotland, so please double check how the guidelines apply to you, depending on where you live.

Can I get a dog while we are in lockdown?

This is possible, provided it is in line with the new government guidelines which have been developed to enable rescue organisations to rehome animals, and breeders to deliver puppies to their new homes during this time of lockdown.

If you are interested in rehoming a dog, check to see which of the rescue centres are currently rehoming animals and follow their advice. You won’t be able to visit a rescue centre in person and local rehoming opportunities will need to be prioritised to avoid long journeys.

If you are due to pick up your new puppy from a breeder, the guidelines state that breeders can transport puppies to their new home. However, journey times must be kept to a minimum and social distancing measures during handover must be maintained.

Does walking my dog count as exercise during this time of lockdown?

Walking your dog counts as exercise. Make sure that you practice social distancing when walking your dog. This means keeping a distance of two metres apart from people, other than those in your own household.

Helpful resources

Here’s some ideas for entertaining your dog at home and in the garden.
Join this Facebook group to find and share ideas for games to play with your dog.

Can I still get my puppy or dog vaccinated?

Vets are classed as an exempted business and are remaining open during this period to provide emergency care and essential services only. The British Veterinary Association has updated its guidance, with effect from Tuesday 14 April 2020, to include primary vaccinations for puppies and one year boosters for adult dogs as essential services. This is to prevent disease outbreak in dogs that haven’t been vaccinated. Puppies can also be microchipped when they receive their first vaccinations. Ask your vet about worming and de-fleaing your dog during this period of lockdown.

If you have any questions or concerns about your puppy or dog, please contact your vet for advice.

My dog is due for their flea/worming treatment. What should I do?

It’s important that you maintain your puppy or dog’s flea or worming treatment, as prescribed by your vet. If you need to order more supplies, please call your vet to find out how you should do this with the current measures in place.

What should I do if my dog is sick or injured?

Vets are continuing to operate during this time of lockdown to deal with emergency cases. However, they will have measures in place to comply with the requirements for social distancing to protect their staff and clients from coronavirus. Therefore, if you are worried about the health of your dog you should first telephone your vet rather than attend in person. They will advise you on what steps to take if your dog needs to be seen by a vet.

Helpful resources

Read our guide on first aid for dogs so that you know what to do in an emergency if your dog is sick or injured.
Find out how to register your dog with a vet.

How can I ensure my puppy is being socialised?

Many new puppy owners are worried that they won’t be able to properly socialise their puppy at this time. Between the ages of 4-12 weeks, puppies are at their most inquisitive and receptive to new experiences, which they may be scared of if they only encounter them in adult life. As things currently stand, there may be limitations on what puppies can be exposed to, e.g. new people, outdoor noises and experiences. However, you can still continue with your puppy’s socialisation plan at home.

During this time of lockdown, your puppy or dog will enjoy having lots of company at home. However, it’s important to you prevent separation occurring when life eventually returns to normal. If you have a puppy, you can start work with training them to be left alone, for example, by getting them used to being in a different room to you and maintaining a balance between cuddle time and letting your puppy settle on their own.

Helpful resources

Here’s some creative ideas from dog trainers for socialising your puppy at home.
Subscribe for free to Coronavirus SOS: Puppies, which has been produced by ABTC registered clinical animal behaviourist Lauren Watts specifically to support puppy owners during this time of lockdown.
Read this blog written by Dr Sam Gaines, Head of Companion Animal Welfare at the RSPCA, on how to socialise your puppy and prevent separation problems.
Get your puppy used to outdoor sounds with the help of this sound therapy programme for dogs.
Read our blog on how to prepare your new puppy for life post-pandemic.

What should I do about training classes for my puppy?

Unfortunately, the measures that are necessary to combat the spread of coronavirus mean that puppy training classes cannot take place. However, the good news is that some puppy trainers are now offering virtual classes. This means that you will be able to continue with your puppy’s training from the safety of your home, with support from professional dog trainers.

Helpful resources

Check out the Puppy School who are offering virtual puppy training classes to existing and new clients. Use the Puppy School class locator to find and sign up with your local instructor.
The Dogs Trust Dog School is not currently running any classes but you can get lots of tips from their puppy and dog training videos.
Sign up for this online dog training programme – 21 days to a clever dog – by dog behaviourist and author Sarah Whitehead.

All of the training resources we recommend have been developed by dog trainers and behaviourists who are members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers or the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, and are accredited by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council.

Can I walk someone else’s dog?

You can walk someone else’s dog as long as their individual circumstances means that they are unable to walk their dog themselves. This includes key workers (e.g. NHS staff), those who are shielded, the vulnerable and over 70s, and those who have symptoms of coronavirus and are self-isolating. The following guidance sets out what you should do to protect yourself and the person whose dog you are walking.

Can I still take my dog to the groomers?

Some dog groomers are able to operate, provided they can maintain distancing and disinfect their vehicles between grooming sessions if operating a mobile grooming service. Daily grooming will help to keep on top of knots in your dog’s coat and get rid of dead hair and dirt.

Get puppy care tips and advice

If you’ve got a puppy, sign up to Puppy’s First Year emails to receive regular updates on what to expect as your puppy develops and grows, delivered straight to your inbox.
Check out our Puppy Guides for tips and advice, including puppy toilet training, sleep training, teething and biting.