Social distancing your pet is now recommended. Here are some tips on how to keep them (and you) entertained.

Petting your neighbor’s dog may seem harmless, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending people follow the same social distancing guidelines with their pets as they would human family members. Luckily, no facemasks are recommended. Can you imagine trying to get one on your cat?!

A small number of animals, including dogs and cats, have reportedly been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.

Pets don’t get to see friends either

Unfortunately, this means the dog park is not the place to be, even if there are not any other dogs hanging out. What that may mean for you is extra walks and maybe even a new route. On the positive side, this could be a great opportunity to explore your area and carve out a little extra time for your four-legged friends who may be stressed too.

CDC guidelines recommend people restrict their pets from interacting with other animals when outside their house and urge people to keep cats indoors when possible and to walk dogs on a leash while maintaining at least six feet from other people and animals. This could mean your pets are also missing their friends and like you, they deserve some extra love.

Teaching your pets new tricks

This could also be a great opportunity to teach your pet some new tricks! Roll over, sit, shake, and playing dead are classic, but there are many more that your pet could be capable of. It is also important to note that tricks aren’t just for dogs! Check out this cat trick video!

Many pets have started making appearances in zoom meetings, whether they are official office meetings or happy hours. Receptra Naturals has always had a pet-friendly office environment (excluding the production facility) and we would feel weird of the dogs were not present!

Make own pet treats!

Nothing makes a stronger bond between pet and owner than food. These Receptra pet treats are easy to make and so good you might want one for yourself (which is actually just fine). You can also sweeten yours with a little honey. Just mix all the ingredients together, form into balls, and pop into the refrigerator!

• - ⅓ Cup Coconut Oil
• - 2 - 3 Tablespoons of Peanut Butter
• - 2 Droppers of Receptra Pet CBD Oil
• - 2 ½ Cups of Rolled Oats
• - ⅓ Cup of Coconut Flakes

Why social distancing pets could be important

The risk of spreading illness through pet transmission is considered low but possible. The first case reported in the U.S. of an animal testing positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 was a tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York earlier this month. It was followed by a report of four more tigers and three lions at the zoo testing positive. It might be extra important to keep your lions and tigers inside.