People with pets treat them as their own family so it is important your taking care of your pets. Kids treat them as their own brother or sister, and parents treat them as their own children.
During this COVID-19 outbreak, people are getting anxious about their safety and well-being, and our pets can be affected by it too. While our pets give us love and affection, let us make sure to be able to give it back to them also.
Whether you have a cat or a dog or whatever animal companion that you have, they can also get stressed mentally and physically during hard times, and they can also feel when their human companion is also stressed.
As we search online on how to keep ourselves safe from contracting the virus and how to cope with this pandemic around the world, we should also search on how to continue giving care to our family pets during this time.
Here are some important things on how to properly care for your family pet during COVID-19:
Care For Your Pet During an Epidemic
How can you Keep your Pet Physically and Mentally Healthy Staying at Home?
Having time for your pets is one of the best things to do to keep them mentally and physically healthy.
If you happen to have a dog, you can train them to play different tricks. You can put them on their heavy duty dog harness and go for a walk in your neighborhood and, at the same time, follow social distancing and proper sanitation for your safety.
It’s best to wash your hands and face after you take your dog for a walk or better have a decent shower. For your dog, you can wipe their paws before you let them enter your house. If you want, you can also play in your own yard and play tug-of-war.
If you want an activity inside the house, you can set up an obstacle course for your dog to play through to keep physically active. You can search for videos online on how to set up obstacle courses with just the things available at home. This way, you can also get creative and have fun with your dog.
Having a cat as a pet can be a bit different from owning a dog. You can bring a large box with enough space for your cat to play inside with a ping pong ball or any cat toy for them to exercise and be physically healthy.
If you have cat towers, you can place a treat on top of them so your cat can climb on it. You can also get a wand with a feather on end, or if they’re fond of following a laser around, you can also use this and serve as a workout for them.
Can your Pet get the Virus (COVID-19)?
The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) has already stated that in some countries, there were reports of dogs and cats contracting the virus from a person infected with COVID-19. Humans and animals can share diseases called zoonotic diseases. But it is also a fact that there is a very low probability for dogs and cats to pass this specific virus to humans.
If you are sick, it is best to isolate yourself from your pets in the meantime. The key here is to practice proper hygiene inside your home at all times.
Sanitize and clean your surroundings from time to time, especially if you are frequently going outside. If you have multiple pets, you can separate their food from each other when feeding them.
Until we know more about this virus, if you’re a person who is sick or requires medical attention, it is best to limit contact with your pets like being kissed or licked by them just to be safe.
What if your Beloved Pet Gets Sick and Needs to see a Veterinarian?
In this kind of situation, you don’t have to panic, and you can start by calling your veterinarian and explain the situation in a detailed manner for them to understand the whole situation. Getting assistance for your pet during these times depends on where you live and the availability of open veterinary clinics near you.
Some clinics can offer home service, or you can go to their clinic where they follow strict hygiene and sanitation procedures for you and your pet’s own safety.
Below are some helpful tips if you want to bring your pet for a checkup if they are sick or injured:
- Make first an appointment before going to the clinic for them to be prepared once you arrive.
- Avoid touching any surfaces around the clinic when unnecessary.
- One person in the family can bring your pet to the clinic.
- Disinfect yourself, and your dog before and after you go to the clinic. You can remove their dog leash and have it cleaned also.
What Other Things can You do to Care for Your Pet?
Listed below are some things that you can do for your animal companion during COVID- 19:
- Make sure to have a stock of pet supplies available at your home. Make sure to have food for your pet that’s at least good for a few weeks or a month. You can also have essential pet medications like vitamins.
- Decide on an emergency caregiver for your pets if ever there comes a time that you’re unable to do so. You can tell them details about your pet’s health conditions and provide them with contact information about your pet’s veterinarian. You can also give them a hint of what your pet likes to eat, or their hobbies and favorite toys.
- If you need to relocate or transport your pet, it’s best to have a crate ready so that they will be comfortable.
- Make sure to have a collar or microchip with their ID tags in case they get lost.
Final Thoughts on Taking Care for your Pets
During these times, where you get to spend more time at home, take this opportunity to bond with your pet and give them love and care. Remember, taking care of yourself means taking care of your family pet. Always stay safe and healthy.