4 Helpful Tips for Pet Parents in Quarantine

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many pets spending large amounts of time quarantined with their owners. About 7.5 million Canadian households have pets, which means more than half of the nation is currently locked in with their furry friends for the time being. While this may seem like a bad thing, this is actually all well and good for emotional health.

Pets can reduce stress and anxiety, which is important for a traumatic event like a health crisis. However, let’s not forget the health of our furry friends as well! There are some measures you can take to keep your cats or dogs healthy while you’re both indoors. Read on for our tips on keeping your pets safe during this time:

1. Refrain from overfeeding

This global event is certainly stressful, and you might find yourself reaching for a snack every time you feel upset or agitated. This is a habit that easily translates to how often you feed your pet. With around 60 percent of household pets classified as obese, the frequency of feeding is something you should closely monitor.

If you live with other people in the household, you can use a whiteboard to track whether or not you have fed your pets for the day. You can also download an app on your phones to help remind you of feeding times or to inform the household if the pets have been fed.

2. Have a schedule

A good practice, whether for animals or humans in quarantine, is sticking to a schedule. Pets are comforted by routines. Strive to simulate whatever your pet was used to before the lockdown. If you fed him or her in the morning, played for a while, and left them to explore for hours, let them do the same.

If your pet loved being outdoors, you can substitute that with new habits, such as walking around the house. When you stick to your new schedule, your pets will sense that this is their new normal and will adjust to this new environment.

If going to the potty was an outside event for your dog, you need to develop new routines for the quarantine. This means being ready with pee pads in the first few weeks. If you have a backyard you can section off an area just for their waste.

3. Plan for medical events

Figure out how you will get care for your pets in case they get sick. Keep yourself updated on which veterinarians and pet supply stores you can contact. Most vets still operate but have put measures in place to prevent the spread of the virus. If you need to bring your pet to the veterinarian, always call ahead. This is so the staff can run their protocols for accepting patients.

In case you fall seriously ill, you must also have a plan. This applies to when you need to be admitted to a hospital or when you must self-isolate. Leave instructions for family members to disinfect your dog’s paws and fur, and make arrangements for their long-term boarding.

In case you live alone with your pet, you should limit contact with your cat or dog to what is necessary. Wash your hands carefully before and after handling your pet—it is still unclear whether pets can facilitate virus transmission, so you must take all precautions possible.

4. Keep them entertained

Stay calm; your pets know when you are nervous, so work on centering yourself. Be mindful of when you feel agitated by the situation, and practice breathing exercises. Find ways to get your pets to exercise. Dogs, in particular, need constant stimulation. Get them to chase laser pointers, blow bubbles for them, or get them new toys!

Conclusion

The COVID-19 crisis is frightening to many, and especially so if you are caring for another living being. Pet parents have the added responsibility of making sure their furry children are safe during this pandemic. Following a few new rules for the home, though, will help everyone quickly adapt to their situation.

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