Fresh air can do wonders for both you and your pet

Life is topsy-turvy with coronavirus restrictions, even for our dogs. Hamilton and I are missing our old life together: road trips, volunteer visits, activities with friends. But our slow scentfilled strolls in local parks have become a welcome stand-in.

Under stay-at-home orders, walking our dogs is, for many, a refreshing distraction. When it comes with a change of scenery, it’s an indulgence for those on either end of the leash.

Here are some tips for keeping your dog and you safe and healthy during the pandemic and beyond:

• Stay close to home. Avoid unnecessary travel by finding a park or trail near your home. Check park websites and social media for updates, and respect closures: gates, cones, barricades or signs.

• Adjust your routine. Some of my beagle’s favorite spots are either closed or blocked to cars. Other popular spots are open but often too congested for social distancing. If a park looks too crowded or there’s no legal parking, plan to visit another time.

• Treat Fido like a family member. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “There is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.” The CDC recommends treating pets as you would a family member: Don’t let them interact with people or animals who are sick.

• Keep your distance. On paths and trails, stay at least 6 feet from other people and dogs. When walkers or runners approach, step off the path and allow them to pass. Even better, find a field where you and your dog won’t have to pass anyone. If a stranger asks about saying hello to your dog, this is an easy time to practice saying, “Not right now, thanks for asking,” without the stigma of being unfriendly.

• Read your dog. Pay attention to cues to know how your dog is feeling, especially when encountering another dog. Yawning, lip-licking, paw-raising and tail-tucking can all be signs of anxiety. People tend to assume a wagging tail means a happy pup, but it simply means arousal. A fast wag means concern. The friendly tail wag is lower, sometimes a full-body wag starting at the shoulder.

• Leash up. It’s always important to follow leash laws for the protection of your dog, other dogs and humans, but it’s particularly important now.

• Train while you walk. Take this quieter time to work with your dog on behavior. If your dog gets triggered, shorten the leash, try to put yourself between the dog and the trigger and pass as quickly as possible.