Keeping your Pets Healthy: The rampant spread of the coronavirus has forced people to stay home and practice social distancing as much as possible. While it is a difficult lifestyle transition for most, people are starting to adjust to their new in-home daily routines. But they, at the same time, are beginning to wonder what this new way of living means for their fur babies.
Although there are no confirmed incidences of the coronavirus in animals, pet owners are still concerned if they need to take precautionary measures for their little shadows. Animals, just like humans, need mental and physical nourishment with or without a pandemic. But owing to the prevalent health crises, pet owners cannot care for their fur friends as before. Therefore, they need to learn new ways to ensure the wellness of their pets.
Here are six tips that will help you keep your pets healthy and happy during the coronavirus pandemic.
Animals are species of routine. They thrive when they have consistency in their lives. If the mandated stay-at-home orders have disrupted your routine, make sure your pet’s routine isn’t. Although with restrictions on socializing, it’s unlikely that your pet’s routine isn’t altered. However, you can come up with a new daily schedule for them to keep them active and happy.
Creating a regime for your fur friend while being stuck at home may seem a bit challenging, especially considering the frustration that comes with staying home 24/7. But you need to chalk out a work-play plan for your dear pet so that they stay happy, busy, and out of your personal space. Not that you don’t love spending time with your fluffy bud, but everyone needs some time apart from their pet. And a routine for your fur child will help you get that.
Staying home for animals can be tough as they enjoy the outdoors and love to interact with their own. But since due to the pandemic going out and about is not feasible, you need to find ways to keep your pet entertained at home. There are many ways to do that. You can set up obstacles in your backyard for your little fellow to practice agility. You need to buy special props for that; you can use any old furniture pieces that you have lying around. If you don’t have enough space to set up an agility track for your bud, then buy some over-stimulating toys to keep your pet occupied.
Attention-grabbing toys are excellent at engaging pets. Buy some good quality props for your sidekick that will stimulate its mind.
Another effective way of keeping your pet entertained at home is online animal videos. Play clips of different animals (choose the ones that have music) for your little friend and watch them enjoy like a child.
While we do not encourage hoarding, we do believe that stocking up pet food and supplies is essential. One of the most severe ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic is the shortage of supplies. Although that’s not yet happened with pet food, it’s still wise to be prepared. Make sure you have ample food for your dear fellow that will sustain them for a while. By doing so, you will have time to come up with alternative food options for your pet should the product you use goes scarce.
Pets can be quite fussy when it comes to food. If your baby is used to having a specific brand of food, it will not switch to a new one easily. You will have to gradually familiarize them with a new product, and while you do that, you will need to have your animal friend’s old food in stock to keep them satiated. Therefore, get a substantial amount of pet food that will last you a while.
Now that you’re at home, you might be tempted to spend as much time with your pet as possible. But don’t give in to your temptation. While spending time with your pet is a great way of bonding, it can have adverse effects on your little fellow once things go back to normal. Pets are prone to separation anxiety. If you spend all your time with your best bud now, they will struggle a lot emotionally and mentally once lockdown ends, and you go back to work. Therefore, make sure you spend a considerable amount of time apart from your pet in a day.
Who doesn’t love to snuggle with their pet and shower it with kisses? But doing that in the time of the pandemic may not be a wise choice. Although there have not been any cases of coronavirus transmission in pets, we still can’t be sure about how susceptible animals are to the virus. Therefore, keep your fur pal safe by limiting physical contact with them. With that said, we don’t mean that you cease petting and stroking your pet completely, but don’t do it as much as before. And make sure to wash your hands before and after interacting with your companion.
A change in lifestyle can be hard on animals. As your pet faces that challenge by being home all the time, make sure you monitor its behavior. If you notice any odd feature in its actions, such as excessive barking or romping, consult your vet immediately. A change in your fur friend’s behavior can be a sign of depression or anxiety. You need to make sure that your pet is not only physically healthy but is also strong mentally.
The world is going through an unprecedented crisis right now. And while it is hard for us, it is also challenging for animals. And since they can’t express their distress; therefore, you need to make sure that you understand their needs and give them the care that they need.
by Bobby J Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™ .
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