Pets and the COVID-19 – Coronavirus Pandemic

What are pet owners most important considerations to keep their pets safe from the Coronavirus pandemic and how to stay busy with pets and live while under quarantine?

The current coronavirus pandemic has alarmed pet owners worldwide. Experts continue to believe that pets, including dogs and cats, are not able to become infected nor are they able to transmit the COVID-19 disease to people.

Specifically, key points for pet owners to remember for today’s Coronavirus Pandemic:

A 1. Remain Calm, Don’t Panic and Listen to the Experts

2. Be Prepared:

Stock up on your pet’s food, medications, including flea tick and heartworm preventatives as well as any prescriptions. Specialty diets will likely take longer to receive so don’t wait until the last minute to re-order.

Visit your Veterinarian. Give your vet a call. If it’s been a while since your pets’ last visit and you are not under quarantine, it might be a good time to set up an appointment. Certainly, as spring arrives in many parts of the country, it’s important to visit your veterinarian to avoid the myriad of other infectious agents that can be transmitted between pets and their people. Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding pet infestations this year with fleas, tick, mosquitoes and even worms, most of which are microscopic and not visible to the human eye. Remember now is the best time for pest prevention, just before flea, tick and mosquito season kicks into high gear.

In any case, be sure to get a copy of your pet’s health records and double-check Fido and Fluffy’s shots to be sure they’re all up to date.

Pet Cleaning Supplies should be on hand. Good hygiene is essential especially now. Remember to wash your pet’s food and water bowl and wipe off toys regularly.

3. Designate an Emergency Caregiver

Proactively identify someone who can help care for your pet on a short- and long-term basis. Perhaps a family member, friend, neighbor or even your favorite Pet Hotel; just in case you become unable to care for your furry companion yourself.

4. Boost Your Pets Immunity

In addition to feeding your pet a fresh wholesome diet, it’s a good time to boost canine immunity and feline immunity which helps dogs and cats fend off all kinds of viral and bacterial issues. Consider adding in some Vitamin C, Elderberry or Reishi Mushrooms.

Adding some antioxidant rich foods to your pets’ diet is another way to support your pet’s immunity. Various vitamins and minerals in food act as antioxidants counteracting free radicals so they can’t damage the cells in your pets’ body and ultimately cause a decline in health.

Here are a few Antioxidant-Rich Foods many Pets Love:

• Beans: Red kidney, pinto and black beans
• Berries: Small red beans, cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
• Plums and black plums
• Potatoes (cooked)
• Cabbage
• Broccoli (especially the FLOURETTES)
• Barley grasses

B. How can pets and their owners stay busy and keep happy while living under a quarantine

1. The Challenges of Isolation: Just like people whose lives have been turned upside down, dogs stuck in quarantine with their owners experience stress, anxiety and even depression. Some canines might have trouble sleeping, lose their appetite, and/or become listless. Other dogs can become aggressive, destructive or get anxious and start barking up a storm.

First, make a routine and stick to it. Remember, most pets, and children like structure and are generally happiest with a consistent feeding schedule.

Consistency is KEY!

Create specific playtimes. Increase your pet’s exercise. Mental and physical exercise is vital to an emotionally secure pet. If exercise doesn’t fit the bill, bone up on canine massage, it’s fun and feels great. Try some Reiki at the end of the day.

Be creative. Think up games, purchase attention-grabbing pet toys. Some pet toys offer mental stimulation such as those you stuff with treats and others that squeak, twitch and move independently. Tech-savvy pet parents can stream pet videos geared to occupy your pet’s attention at least for a while.

Practice teaching your canine to “Go Potty Indoors.” Should this be necessary, don’t make a fuss. Prepare yourself and your dog as you normally would before going outside to “go potty.”

Have your dog’s leash and collar on and don’t forget the treats. Once you’re all set, simply walk Fido over to the area now designated for “going potty.” To protect your floors, you can use potty pads, newspapers, fake grass or even sod patches. Personal hygiene is especially important when dealing with pet urine and fecal matter. Many transmissible diseases like Giardiasis and Leptospirosis can be contracted this way.

Holistic Home Remedies for Anxious Canines. Melatonin[1-3milligrams] helps promote restful sleep. Essential oils including chamomile and blue spruce applied topically are calming and smell great. Bach’s Rescue Remedy, a homeopathic combination of flowers can be added to your pet’s food or water. You can even place a few drops directly into your pets’ mouth. As an alternative, you can rub a few drops onto your pet’s acupuncture points: the inner hairless part of your pet’s ears. These remedies are quite effective and have no adverse effects of any kind.

Many high energy felines enjoy laser mice and feather bouncers. Set up empty paper bags and boxes like an obstacle course anywhere in your house or apartment. Don’t forget the catnip.

It’s a perfectly safe herb to give your cat a few times each week. Rub the herb on some of your feline’s favorite toys, and on the stair edges of your felines tree which motivates them to frolic and play.

Refresh your pet’s basic obedience skills: Sit, Stay, Down, Come. You’ll reap the rewards with a well-trained pet!

Practice Pet Grooming: Brushing, Combing, why not try giving a bath. YouTube videos offer free step-by-step guides to groom Fido and Fluffy.

In your home or backyard work out fitness routines you can enjoy with Fido. Crunches, curls and sit-ups. Use small dogs as bar bells-they’ll love it and so will you. Chances are, by days end, you’ll both be wagging your tails and barking for more.