It's a weird kind of time at the moment for pets and their owners as we all stay at home during Covid-19 lockdowns and quarentines throughout the world. What better time than now to get crafty and do something productive? Here are some ideas for things you can create while stuck at home:
1. Pet treats
There are so many easy treat recipes to be found online, and lots of them use things you probably already have in your pantry to keep you going until that next essential trip to the supermarket!
Check out our video below for a super easy recipe idea, or click here for the full recipe and instructions: Easy 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies
2. Cat toys
Cat toys can be easy to make with very few materials needed. Cats love anything long and dangly (like ribbon or string), light and floaty (like feathers), things that make interesting noises (like a bell or a crinkly sounding fabric) and lots of bright colours! What can you come up with with the things around your house?
Here's an idea that was posted on our local Cat Rescue Wanaka Facebook page - instructions for some simple knitted mice you can make and donate to your local cat rescue at the end of lockdown!
3. Make a snuffle mat
Dogs love a job to do and mental stimulation is so important to their development and well-being. A very simple task we can give them is to make them 'work' for their food by hiding it in a snuffle mat! You'll see them having so much fun sniffing out the biscuits and the instant reward of being able to eat it. You can buy snuffle mats from pet stores but they're actually super easy to make yourself from things you probably already have around your home.
4. Build your pet first aid kit
If something were to happen to your pet today that would require your attention, would you have the supplies on hand to deal with it? We know it's going to be tricky to get hold of all this stuff and we definitely don't recommend you go out of your way to try to get it during lockdown, but you might have some of it in the house already, or you may be able to pick it up during your next essential supermarket trip, so can at least make a start putting your pet first aid kit together.
If you're looking for a pet first aid and CPR course you can do online, check out this one which we use for all our staff training, or this free one here)
First aid kit checklist:
Muzzle
Slip lead
Gauze
Cohesive wrap (also known as 'vet-wrap')
Adhesive medical tape
Scissors
Antiseptic ointment (make sure it's safe for animals as some are incredibly toxic. We suggest Betadine which is safe and readily available).
Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl)
Clean towel or blanket
Disposable gloves
Hydrogen peroxide
Thermometer
Nail clippers
Styptic powder
5. Bandanas
Bandanas are an easy and fun way to 'dress up' your pets without them getting annoyed with you! There are easy to make from any scraps of fabric you have (old t-shirts waiting to be recycled?) or you can even get extra crafty and tye-dye or pattern your own designs if you already have the materials to do so!
Here's a bandana pattern to follow for a slide-over-the-collar version, or this even easier no-sew version (video below)