5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy During the Pandemic

Our furry, feathery, or scaly friends were probably the only ones who found the lockdowns and stay-at-home mandates interesting and pleasant. After all, they’ve got to spend a lot more time with you, their favorite human(s)!

However, the pandemic and your constant presence in their space (yes, your home is their space) also took a toll on our lovely pets. First of all, the sudden change in schedule messes up their daily routine which can lead to a buildup in stress and anxiety. Additionally, going for a walk wasn’t as fun and many pets didn’t get to meet their friends at the local park as often. 

Not to mention that, if you get sick or are in a bad mood (which is quite common nowadays), your pet(s) will feel this and get stressed out. So, to make sure your boys and girls don’t get out of the pandemic all tense and sad, here are a few ways you can take care of them and yourself at the same time:

#1: Have A Stock of Pet Food

We’ve all seen the toilet paper craze and people emptying store shelves the moment they got full again. Those were some scary moments and, should the lockdowns and restrictions return, the situation will probably repeat. 

Therefore, whenever you make your stocks of food and household items, add pet food to the list. Your furry babies must have a steady, healthy diet in order to keep their joyful demeanor. But, if you forget, there’s no need to panic – nowadays you can order pet food delivery! 

In fact, pet food delivery was a game-changer for many pet parents in the pandemic. The fact that you could find a provider you’d trusted and have them deliver, made things so much easier!

#2: Respect Their Routine

If your routine has changed it doesn’t mean your pets should support the consequences. If they’ve been with you for a while, they already have a routine and favorite spots in the house (especially during those times when you were supposed to be out). Try to disturb them as little as possible and don’t wake them up or rile them up just because you’re bored. 

#3: Don’t Ignore Them

Working from home can be tough, especially if you’re forced to adapt to this new situation without any time to wrap your head around it. Still, it’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance, so make sure you don’t spend hours in front of the computer while your cat or dog desperately tries to get your attention. 

Just to be sure, schedule time for play with your beloved pet(s) and add it to your daily calendar.

#4: Get New Toys

Lively pets who are used to being outside on walks and various adventures tend to have a tough time when forced to stay indoors. The situation gets even more difficult when you have a small apartment and Max can’t move around and burn his energy. 

The situation will get better if you get them interesting toys that grab their attention and put their mind at work (like those contraptions where you put the treats inside and they have to get it out). 

#5: Pay Attention to Changes in Behavior

Pets can get anxious and stressed by your new routine, but they will get used to it after a while and return to their regular antics. Still, it’s best to pay attention to any changes in behavior. For instance, dogs tend to express their needs through their behavior but it may be a bit difficult for us to understand what they’re trying to communicate. 

So, pay attention and try to identify the triggers.

In most cases, once you and the pets reach an agreement on how to share the space and be together more than usual, life should return to some sort of normal. Anyways, they will be happy to have you around!