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The coronavirus pandemic is affecting all our lives adversely, and it also affects those who reside in our homes, such as our family and our companion animals. The widespread outbreak of the virus propagating the disease around the world is causing panic among the global community. Everyone around the world is now facing long periods of self-isolation and quarantine in our households.
Our pets are not just pets but are part of our families, and it is our responsibility as pet parents to take the best care of them despite the current situation and difficulties. In the modern age, when our lifestyle is extremely hectic, you may rarely find considerable time to spend with your pets. The quarantine time is providing you with an opportunity to spend quality time with your endearing pets, and your pets may be the only ones who are enjoying the quarantine times to the fullest.
If you are sick or recovering from coronavirus, then you must not take care of your pet if possible. If it is not possible, you must always wear a mask around your pet and wash your hands before and after feeding or taking care of your pet. Through this article, let us go through how you can take care of your pet during the quarantine.
1. Prepare For The Quarantine
You will need to think beyond stocking up on toilet paper if you want to take care of yourself and your pet efficiently during the quarantine. You will need to buy all the supplies for your pet so that you can comfortably get through at least the next two weeks of quarantine without the need to venture out again. Pet cleaning supplies and pet food are some of the most crucial things you need to stock up.
It is a good idea to keep a reserve of preventive medication for your pets to treat common infections such as heartworm, ticks, and fleas. You also need to stock up the regular medications if your pet is on a prescription or a special diet due to allergies or deficiencies. If you are not yet on quarantine, ensure that you visit your vet for a thorough checkup and to get the vaccine shots.
2. Your Pets May Need Some Time Alone
Similar to the disruption to the normal routine of humans, the normal routine of our pets are also undergoing a profound change due to the constant presence of humans in the house. Your presence may be disturbing their sleeping patterns, and they may be sleeping less during the day and more during the night in response to the change. Try to let them choose what they want to do during the day and not disrupt their normal routine.
3. Take Care While Walking Your Pet
You need to walk your pet for short distances at the least every day to release the excess energy they have in their bodies. Failure to provide them adequate exercise will lead to the rise of mental and physical illness as well as unpreferable habits such as chewing on furniture and your possessions. However, you need to be careful when you venture outside with your pet during the walks and always maintain social distancing with other people.
Even if your dog has good behavior and training, you must put a leash around their necks before stepping out. You may not be able to control every action of your pet and they may sniff or pick up some items on the floor which can have the virus. Unsuspecting people are littering face masks on the roads after use. Although your dog can not contract the virus, your dog can pass it to you by transporting the virus on their fur, mouth, or foot of your dog.
4. Create A Healthy And Relaxing Environment With CBD
CBD or cannabidiol has several incredible benefits for the health of your pet dog and being a natural product; it does not have any side effects. The CBD oils have anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant properties as well as slow down tumor growth and act as a natural painkiller.
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CBD oils can also aid in easing stress and anxiety in your pets and help them in sleeping comfortably. The autoflower whitewidow cannabis seeds need less cultivation time and are the ideal source of producing CBD oil and other products. CBD oils have the same effects on the physiology of your pets as on a human body since they act on the cannabinoid receptors present in all animals. Apart from oils, Pet owners can also feed their pets with CBD gummies, tinctures, etc.
5. Engage Your Pet With Toys And Playtime
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Just like humans, your pets will also need some activities to occupy themselves and clear their boredom. You can use various types of pet toys such as chew toys to keep them company while you work or attend to other tasks. You may also build tunnels using cardboard boxes to give them enough exercise. Another fun pastime is hiding treats around the house for them to search and find in which they will need to use their keen sense of smell to find the treats around the house.
6. Avoid Overfeeding
You may be feeling a tendency to eat more than necessary during the quarantine as you are spending all your time indoors. You may also be feeding your pet more than their normal amount as you are around them throughout the day without realizing it. According to a survey by Pet Obesity Prevention, nearly 56 percent of dogs and 60 percent of cats living in a household are obese or overweight, leading to health issues. Stick with a feeding schedule to prevent feeding more than necessary.
Conclusion
According to a report by the ASPCA, more people in the U.S.A are adopting and fostering pet animals for accompanying them during the lockdown. Although the reports from the Center for Disease Control and WHO are indicating that household pets do not carry or spread the coronavirus even though it is a zoonotic disease. However, you still need to take safety measures for the protection of your pet.
Avoid putting face masks on your pet as they can cause breathing difficulties. Pets perform a highly beneficial task for maintaining the mental health of pet parents while we are stuck at home. Pets have a unique way of identifying when we are feeling low and come along to cheer us up. As we can only venture outside for the most essential things, you will need to ensure that you get all the important things to take care of your pet during the quarantine.