"It sucks,
Sincerely, your pets."
Is your dog’s favourite bone suddenly in your arm? Has your leg become your cat’s favourite scratching post? These behaviours may not be typical for your pet, but if you are starting to notice them more frequently they may be signs that this whole newly arisen situation with the Coronavirus is stressing them out as well.
Changes in their everyday routine such as fewer walks, fewer interactions with other pets or even worse fewer hugs and kisses from their owners can be the reason for destructive behaviours. Continue reading to find out how the Coronavirus affects your pets and what you can do to make things better.
Pets find all sorts of ways to keep themselves entertained while you are away from home, there’s even a whole movie about it. However, due to the Coronavirus crisis, you may be working from home, staying in more as a way of social distancing or God forbid, you are in quarantine. Your pets love to see you around; In fact, they love it so much they expect your undivided attention. You are the centre of their world. Unfortunately, when you are working from home you can’t always show them the love that they deserve. Your dog might be thinking “Why is my human so distant all of a sudden and doesn’t want to throw the ball?” your cat might even think that you’ve turned into a big, stupid and boring feline.
However, you are there in front of them and they can’t chew up your shoe, destroy your pillow or make confetti out of toilet paper, they will be caught red-handed and get in trouble because there is no one else to blame. Boredom can make your pets lethargic, depressed, self-destructive or even aggressive. You may witness constant loud barking, growling, eating socks or garbage from the trash, digging, and causing self-harm. For instance, a bored dog may lick and chew its leg or another spot of its body until it’s sore and painful.
Due to social distancing, isolation or quarantine, your pets might not receive the proper amount of exercise. Walks are not just potty breaks, they are especially important for dogs since they are the foundation for physical and mental health. Letting your dog run freely in the park is an excellent way of exercise whereas long walks satisfy their natural curiosity for exploring. Moreover, meeting other pet friends on the way is very exciting for them as meeting with your crew is exciting for you. Cats are also natural explorers and they should be given the opportunity to go outside. They also like to nibble on certain types of grass because it helps their digestion. Lack of physical activity may lead to weight gain, arthritis and anxiety.
Because of the Coronavirus, you may refrain yourself from giving your pets the same amount of hugs and snuggles they are used to. This can make them sad and lonely and potentially break the bond between you two. If you are using the right pet supplies for hygiene and keep your pets clean, you have nothing to worry about. According to CDC, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
How many times you felt terrible because you had to leave your pets at home and go to work and how many times you wished that you had them with you in the office to keep you company. Now, this is a part of the new reality we are facing and you should make the most out of it. It is proven that pets are beneficial for people’s health and they definitely make staying home more enjoyable. It is time to do something for their own well-being.
Engage in physical activities at home. If you have stairs, run your pet up and down to boost their metabolism. Create obstacles using chairs and bottles to make an indoor playground. If you want to take things up a notch go to your favourite pet store and get wires, flags and cones to build a fun maze for them to explore.
Stack up on fun toys, and the best part is you can shop for pet products online without leaving the house. Consider buying interactive pet supplies online so you can work in peace while your pet is having the time of its life. You can get a teaser ball, interactive laser toy or a rolorat for your cat to chase. Treat your dog with a new thingamajig that is fun to toss, chew and fetch.
Create their own home office using pet supplies that can be found in any well-stocked pet shop. Build a cardboard fortress for your cat so it can rule the kingdom in peace. Create a safe space for your pup by getting a spacious playpen and filling it with toys so it can safely entertain itself while you are busy.
Give your pet a nice bubbly bath to make that fur fluffy and irresistible for cuddling. Proper hygiene is crucial to protect you and your pet from Coronavirus. Use hygiene pet products that smell nice for an aromatherapy experience. If your pat is not a big fan of baths, you can spread a bit of peanut butter on your bathtub to ease this stressful situation.
Apart from the regular daily meals, your pets especially enjoy delicious snacks. Reward good behaviour with tasty treats. You can get a delicious bone for your pooch because they are a good source of minerals and other necessary nutrients. Chewing bones is also very good for the dental health of your dog. Combine it with some dental treats and enjoy some fresh smooches. Treat your cat with some tasty salmon bites or get catnip treats for the ultimate relaxation.
Be mindful about your animals and know that this new reality we are facing affects them too. Even fish can sense when something is wrong and get depressed. If you have other types of pets in your home, make sure that you also provide them with the proper care and love during these difficult times.
