Ever since COVID-19 has swiftly spread across the globe, the entire human population has been affected.
Businesses had to temporarily or permanently shut down, travels have stopped, schools were shut down and replaced with online classes, remote work has elevated, and everyone was encouraged to stay at home as much as possible.
All these have happened to practice social distancing and reduce humanity’s chances of interacting with more people and possibly contracting the virus.
With the new social distancing practices, families and their pets must now spend more time indoors.
Thus, many people are finding new ways to keep themselves and their pets entertained and active despite being at home.
Aside from that, many of you may be balancing remote work at home while doing household chores, parenting, and doing your old hobbies.
As the world and the people are slowly becoming accustomed to isolation and social distancing, what could this all mean for your beloved pets?
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What The New Social-Distancing Means For Your Pets
Just like humans, pets also need the same physical and mental satisfaction; while humans need regular exercise and a healthy diet to strengthen themselves, especially this pandemic, so do pets.
Way back before the COVID-19 pandemic happened, pet owners used to take their pets out for a walk, go for regular vet visits, and treat them with healthy pet snacks.
Pets need an adequate amount of time outdoors to boost not only their physical health but also their mood and mental well-being.
However, all regular routines have been drastically changed during this pandemic, including your pet’s.
While the effect of the coronavirus on pets is still under study, it’s still best if pet owners also perform precautions to ensure their pets are safe and healthy during this unprecedented time.
This may mean keeping your pets distanced safely from people or other pets who may have been exposed to the virus, keeping them indoors more often than before, and other outdoor lifestyle changes.
Ways To Keep Your Pets Healthy And Happy
Aside from the social distancing practice, here are other ways you can keep your pet healthy despite the COVID-19 lifestyle changes:
1. Keep Your Vet Appointments Regular
It’s true that during this pandemic, your interaction with the outside world should be limited, including your frequent travel to the vet clinic. However, vet appointments are essential for your pet’s health.
Without them, it may be hard for you to be up-to-date with your pet’s health and overall wellbeing.
Fortunately, communicating with your pet’s vet is now safer as most vet clinics have used vet telemedicine that’ll enable both veterinarians and pet owners to set appointments and communicate virtually.
This way, you can keep up with your pet’s vet visit without having to travel outside, risking both you and your pet’s health to the exposure of the coronavirus.
Moreover, during your vet appointments, don’t forget to ask your veterinarian about other ways how you can keep your pet healthy despite lesser time outdoors.
Let them suggest other alternatives that are safer for you and your pets.
2. Maintain Proper Nutrition And Hydration
The coronavirus pandemic must not be a hindrance to keeping up with your pet’s proper nutrition and dehydration. Make sure you’re still feeding your pet with the right food at their usual meal times.
After all, feeding your pets on the right schedule may be easier now as you’re indoors most of the time.
Moreover, don’t forget to keep them hydrated, too, as the summer months may quickly warm up your home, causing them to experience thirst more often.
Perhaps the new issue regarding your pet’s nutrition during this pandemic is keeping your pet’s food supply in adequate stock.
Since the pandemic has caused you to reduce your interaction outdoors, this may mean you also need to lessen your frequency of visiting malls and pet stores to shop for pet food and other pet necessities.
Thus, it’s recommended that you buy pet foods and other pet supplies that’ll last for at least one to two months.
You can still purchase the same pet food that your vet has recommended for your pet, but ensure you buy enough supply for a couple of months.
If you’re planning to introduce your pet to a new food, don’t forget to check first with your vet first to know if it’s helpful for your pet’s health.
3. Be Creative In Keeping Your Pet Active
Understandably, bringing your pet for a walk in the park or the mountains isn’t an option now. Even the idea of bringing them with you on a drive is already out of the picture.
However, just because you’re all in lockdown, it doesn’t mean your pet shouldn’t have a brief time outdoors anymore.
After all, outdoor time and sunlight exposure is part of your pet’s needs to keep them healthy and fit.
So, instead of bringing your pet to parks or mountains, you can still spend your playtime with them indoors, especially if you happen to have your own private backyard, you can utilize that space for your pet’s playtime.
The point is to avoid busy streets, dog parks, and dog daycares as part of the preventive measures against COVID-19.
Aside from keeping them safe against the virus, letting your pet spends a brief playtime in your backyard also brings a positive impact on their physical and mental health.
4. Prepare A Pet Emergency Kit
Aside from preparing first-aid kits for your family members, it’s vital that you also have an emergency kit for your pet, especially during this unpredictable time.
Your pet’s emergency kit must consist of a 30-day supply of pet medications and other items, like bedding, crate, leash, harness, and more.
Moreover, make sure you prepare your pet’s vaccination records and other health documents.
This way, if an emergency arises, you already have all the essential papers ready for presentation when needed by your vet.
Takeaway: Challenging Phase For Pet Owners
As the COVID-19 pandemic attacked the globe, pet owners are given a unique challenge: keeping their pets healthy and happy while sticking to the new pandemic protocols and requirements.
This may be an unsettling time, but these tips and practices enumerated above can help ensure your pet’s safety and health.
Aside from watching over your pet’s safety and health, as a pet owner, don’t forget to look after your health and safety, too.
This includes washing your hands after handling pet food, waste, other pet supplies, and even after handling your pet yourself.
If you have inquiries about your pet’s wellbeing, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian virtually.