Pet Care In The Pandemic: Hints and Tips

Even when the world outside comes to a standstill, you and your pets still need to maintain your physical and mental well-being. Cats and dogs are intelligent, active creatures that can become bored, anxious, or even depressed like any human. Read on for Pet Care In The Pandemic: Hints and Tips to keep them - and you - productive and healthy during this trying time.

Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter 

NAPPS is the solution. It is the only national, non-profit professional pet sitting association that embraces both pet sitters and pet parents. Furthermore, not all pet sitters are equally professional and competent. When caring for and dealing with animals, they will employ humane and positive techniques.

What are the benefits of hiring a NAPPS pet sitter?

The certification program is a comprehensive and in-depth self-paced course that covers all aspects of pet sitting, such as pet care, health, nutrition, and behavior for a variety of animals. It also includes pet safety training and a comprehensive pet first aid course.

How to Hire a Pet Sitter? 

• Make certain that the person you hire is well-trained and professional. He or she will not only be responsible for your pet but will also have regular access to your home.
  
  

• Call the pet sitters or, if possible, visit their websites to review their rates and ensure they can provide the service you require.
  
  

• Have the pet sitter meet you at your home and ensure that he or she gets along well with your pet. It's critical to understand that services and fees can vary greatly from one pet sitter to the next. Professional pet sitters are eager to answer your questions because they want you to be comfortable with their services.

You can find some hints and tips for your pets below.

Observe Social Distancing

Taking your dog out for exercise is important, but so is social distancing. Where you can, keep walks to a minimum and stay on the lead, to avoid accidentally going near other dogs or owners retrieving them from socialising and clean them thoroughly when you get home.

Wherever possible, keep your cats indoors and limit or prevent them going outside by locking cat flaps, investing in a litter box and only allowing them outside on a leash, if they have to “go” on the grass. If you can, clean their paws when they get back in, or stick to your garden.

“Make sure walks with your dog are short but brisk in pace, to raise your dog’s heart rate and keep you both healthy,” says Debra Hollandson, a lifestyle blogger at Writinity and Research papers UK.

Make Time For Play

Playtime will burn your dog’s energy, fill their need for attention and stimulate their senses at home. Bury treats in a blanket, get a treat dispenser or tug of war toy and dedicate a half hour to playing each day. You’ll grow closer, and they’ll keep their muscles healthy between walks.

Outdoor cats usually get their stimulation from exploration or hunting and therefore need time set aside to burn energy and engage their brains, though indoor cats also benefit from play too. Get a feather dancer, treat toy or laser pointer and have some fun between assignments.

Hygienic Handling

Keeping your pets clean and healthy is an important part of their mental and physical health. A good brushing can reinforce bonds between you, while a bath after walks or when a cat goes outside ensures you eliminate dirt and germs whilst also bringing you closer as a pet and owner. 

Now is also a good time to start new regimes that require getting used to, such as brushing their teeth or learning to clip claws yourself. Just make sure you have the right tools to do so, and be patient with them; it’s another big change to endure!

Balanced Diets

Eating poorly during the pandemic has become a national pastime. Make sure you and your pet avoid this pitiful wherever possible and pay close attention to what they’re eating. Do they get a lot of your scraps, or do they have balanced kibble? What about wet foods and fluids? Are they still eating like they used to, or gone off their food?

If your pet stops eating, try changing up their food every so often. Get different flavours, brands or blends, supplement their food with freshly cooked meat (both cats and dogs) or vegetables (dogs only) and be wary of over portioning if they’re doing less exercise than before. 

“If you can, keep an eye on their weight to make sure they’re not fluctuating either way. Any big changes in your pets should be reported to a vet, in case they’ve gotten ill,” says Keith Grades, a pet writer at Last minute writing and Draft Beyond.

Veterinary Visits

Even with your best efforts, pets can get sick and illnesses can flare. If you have to go to the vet, there’s a few things you can do to stay safe and make your visit as smooth as possible:

- Call to make an appointment and arrive as close to your appointment time as possible. 

- Be prepared to give your pet to the receptionist or vet and wait outside to be updated.

- Maintain social distancing outside the vet and do not interact with other pets.

- Wear your mask, even when waiting outside.

- Returning home, wash your hands thoroughly and where possible, wash your pet too.

Keeping your pet healthy during the pandemic is similar to looking after yourself, but they do need your time and attention to stay as happy and healthy as possible. Make sure to observe your pet’s preferences, don’t make a shy pet interact more than they want to, and if in doubt, contact your vet for more information and guidance on Pandemic Pet Care.

A business development manager at Lucky Assignments Manchester and Gum Essays, Henry Wiegand loves reading and writing about business development and has been involved in many projects.