Here at Slickers, we understand that these are uncertain times for everyone. We know that a number of you have a variety of different questions wandering around your mind and so we hope this answers some of them. However, please regularly check the latest government advice and continually assess your own situation.

Can Dogs Contract Covid-19?

There have been a very small number of pets across the world that tested positive for Covid-19. The World Health Organisation (WHO) have said: 'There is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit Covid-19.' However, the virus can live on surfaces for some time and this could include your pet’s fur. If you are showing any symptoms minimise contact with your pet as much as possible and maintain good hygiene.

Can I walk my dog?

According to the government guidelines, everyone is able to take one form of exercise a day as long as you are well and do not show any symptoms. If you have more than one adult in your household, you can all take it in turns to walk your dog. This will help to ensure that it gets the recommended amount of exercise each day. If you are self-isolating and showing symptoms you are advised not to leave your home. However, if you live alone and do not have a garden then you should walk your dog, but try and minimise the number of times that you take your dog out and keep a good distance away from others. You can also ask a friend or relative to take your dog out for you, but if you are self-isolating for any reasons, be sure to take the appropriate precautions.

How can I keep my dog active?

Although your dogs are able to join you on your daily exercise, they may still feel restless and have more pent up energy than usual from being indoors all day. Here are a few indoor activities you can do with them well exercised:

• Tricks - Teaching your dog tricks is a good way to stimulate them mentally as well as keep yourself occupied with your new pupil!
• Hide and seek- By playing games like these, you’re mentally tiring your pet out as well as physically.
• Food Mazes - As well as beating a bit of boredom, food mazes (like this one) can help to promote healthy digestion and avoid an upset stomach which occurs when eating quickly. You get the best of both worlds.

How can I feed my dog/keep them healthy?

Although many stores across the country are closed due to government guidelines, pet stores have been allowed to remain open! This means you can still get your doggy essentials wherever you are.

At Slickers, we are still open online offering deliveries on all our products. We are also available to do home deliveries within a 15 mile radius from our shop for those that live closer.

How can I groom my dog?

Unfortunately, due to the current circumstances you cannot take your pet to the groomers, but that doesn't mean they can't be groomed! We have had some enquiries regarding home grooming our pups during lock down so we thought we would put together a quick guide for making this a bit easier... Time for dog Grooming 101!

Get your equipment ready...

• Shampoo – Slickers shampoos are concentrated, mild and made with essential oils to sooth and nourish coats and skin, plus they are all manufactured in the UK.
• Mixing Bottle
• Drying Coat/Towel
• Thinning Scissors (optional)

Bathing...

1. First give your dog a brush through to de-tangle and remove excess fur
2. Set your water to a nice warm temperature, not too hot
3. Pre-dilute shampoo (Slickers shampoo = 20 parts warm water to 1 part shampoo).  This enables you to distribute the shampoo evenly over your pup and get a good even lather.  For best results use half of the shampoo bottle for the initial wash to remove the worst of the dirt, rinse off and then do a second shampoo to get a really good clean.
4. Rinse – For this final rinse make sure to remove all traces of shampoo from the coat and skin
5. Use either a towel to remove the excess water or a drying coat which will completely dry your dog in around 20 minutes.
6. Finally have a good brush through and you will find most excess fur will now come out easily, If there are matts get a matt breaker which will safely cut through the matts to remove them.
7. If you feel that you need to give your dog a little trim, it is best to use thinning scissors which will blend the coat much more easily than using straight scissors
8. Take a picture and post it on @slickersdoghouse Facebook or Instagram!!

Is there a question we didn't answer? Let us know in the comments below. Stay safe.