Excellus BlueCross BlueShield sponsored this post as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central, and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
One of my sons is a doctor in Rochester, New York. At around 9 pm on Christmas, after his shift in the ICU, we visited via Facetime. It was a rough day for him. COVID is not a hoax or a “bad flu.” In his words, “COVID is everywhere.” His hospital is almost out of beds. His exhaustion was more than physical, and it was heartbreaking to see.
While it is encouraging that the FDA has approved COVID vaccines, we still need to follow the CDC guidelines. I know that so many people are anxious to get back to their regular activities, but we need to be patient for now, so we don’t end up as patients. That means staying home as much as possible, wearing a mask when out in public, and washing hands thoroughly and often.
Since many of us have experienced cabin fever in one way or another, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has put together some great ideas to help make this winter more enjoyable while staying home. Although I miss seeing my older kids, sisters, and mom, we stay connected through phone calls, Facetime, and Zoom. Our two college-aged kids are living at home with us. They play video games online with their siblings, which helps us feel more connected.
I’m pretty sure my dogs love the fact that their humans are always home.
This extra time together has resulted in more cuddles, more time to play with them, and longer walks (weather permitting.)
Like humans, dogs sometimes have essential appointments, and taking care of them entails other obligations. Luckily, it isn’t hard to stay safe while taking care of your dogs.
Pet Supplies: Most pet stores offer curbside pickup, and some even offer delivery.
Vet Appointments: At our vet facility, a vet tech meets us at the car and takes the pets inside. The vet calls during or after the exam and gives us her findings and recommendations. After the exam, the vet tech brings the pet back to the car. They are currently allowing a pet parent to be present for end-of-life appointments. (Masks must be worn.)
If your vet isn’t following the CDC guidelines, consider postponing appointments or finding a new vet. Your pet needs you to stay healthy!
Grooming: If your dog must go to the groomer, make sure you are comfortable with their mask policies. According to the CDC, dogs can get infected with COVID, but it does not seem like they transmit it to humans. If you need to learn how to cut your pup’s nails, there are many guides online.
Walks: Walks are beneficial for both dogs and humans. However, be sure you maintain a 6-foot distance from others and wear a mask as needed. We’re fortunate that we live in a small town, and there are rarely people walking around when we are. When we see our neighbors and friends, we exchange pleasantries from a safe distance.
Training: A well-trained dog makes life more enjoyable. Currently, there are many online training options available. This is also a great time to teach your dog a new trick.
Exercise: These exercises for balance are great for dogs of all ages. Why not help your pup build or maintain strength?
Bake Dog Treats: While your dog probably won’t help with the baking, he will love eating the end product. Try this easy vegan apple dog biscuit recipe. Although most dogs are not vegans, I know many of you are. This particular recipe calls for only two ingredients: applesauce and flour.
It turned out that I didn’t have any applesauce, but I had an apple. A quick Google search, and ten minutes later, I had applesauce.
Apple Biscuits for Dogs
Apple Biscuits for Dogs
Equipment
- Rolling pin or another cylinder (such as filled water bottle) to roll dough
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup flour (I use oat flour because my dog is sensitive to wheat)
Instructions
- Mix the flour and applesauce together
- Chill the dough for approximately one hour
- Roll out the dough
- Optional: roll the dough with an engraved rolling pin
- Cut dough with pizza cutter or knife into squares
- Place on baking sheet (parchment paper optional)
- Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes
Notes
My dogs love these treats, and I love that I know exactly what is in them.
See some of our other recipe ideas here.
How have you been coping with the pandemic?
I know that the pandemic is very stressful on many levels. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has a 24/7 Nurse Hotline available for self-care and mental health questions. Please continue to stay updated about the virus, testing, the vaccines, and how you can do your part to keep our community safe.
This is some great advice on staying safe and healthy with covid. And these biscuits sound delish for dogs!
Great advice! We are so lucky that neither of our dogs are breeds that need to be groomed and they have been healthy this year!
I’m so glad we live on acreage, so we can still get out and take a long walk, all while staying on our own property. My kids have been training our sweet dog, Gracie, with their extra time.
We have been impacted by Covid as well. Our vet has a good system of dropping off and picking up as well.
Good advice for those who have a dog. Planning to adopt a dog and glad to know these tips that I could apply.
I miss having a fur baby at home and have been looking at local adoption centers to find one just for us. Thanks for sharing.
I love dogs. They are adorable! But I can’t own one. But I know many friends of mine who will definitely love this blog.
Great advice on how to help you, your family, and your pup stay healthy during this pandemic! I’ve taken to making our dog’s treats as well – easier, more cost effective, and you can do it with products and ingredients you already have. It will be tough for dogs when their humans return to working in the office – so a lot of training, mental exercise, and leaving them alone while you do other things will be of great benefit. Nice article – will share!
great post as we are feeling the fever. I walk Layla her direction and am fortunate that everyone wears masks so it makes life easier, other than that we are at home and now storms are coming Madam hating the rain it will be easy to keep her indoors. Stay safe
These are great practical and easy ideas to help cope with pandemic life. Yes, your son is so right about this COVID19. Unfortunately, many don’t think it’s real until they get it. I’m adjusting well to “remote” life but do have cabin fever here and there. I’ve found that going for short walks outside to get fresh air makes me feel better. Also, I’ve learned to explore more recipes when cooking dinner. It helps break up the monotony.
Everything around here that is still open is curbside pick-up only. With my dog’s food it makes no difference to me because I always ordered over the phone beforehand–now I just also pay over the phone.
It is a bigger problem, though, with veterinary services, particularly since my dog suffered quite an emotional trauma recently when at a specialty hospital. She’s not at all comfortable being left alone in the clinic for any amount of time. We lucked out because we managed to get her recent procedures just before the most recent lock-down so hubby could stay there with her the entire time.
This is great advice! My two dogs are definitely happy with their people being around more, but I know those curbside vet visits are stressful for them, when they are used to having us inside. I love the idea of making my pups some homemade biscuits, and I absolutely need that rolling pin in my kitchen!
Thank you to your son for the work he is doing. This is great advice. While I unfortunately have to go into work every day, my husband is working from home and our cats love it. I’m pretty sure they’ve never been happier!
We really need to still take care of our pets but we should be extra cautious when going out. I will try the recipe so our fur babies will also experience eating Apple biscuits.
This is some great advice. We have been enjoying having more time at home with our pups. Like you, we’ve been going for more walks (weather permitting). We’re also lucky to have a few different trails nearby that we have been making use of. Our local pet store is open for curbside only, but that does allow us to get everything we need for the time being.
While we are seriously looking forward to this all changing and being able to get out and about, we’ve been doing okay for now.
My heart goes out to your son and the rest of the medical community at this time. They really are heroes, doing what needs to be done and how to keep us all safe.
Great advice for those who are at home with their pets. Our vet had curbside only until June and opened back up for face-to-face. However, with the rise in numbers, they went back to curbside in December.