From your home to the vet’s office and beyond, COVID-19 changes for your pet and for you are happening and are largely out of everyone’s control. Whether these changes are positive or negative depends upon a myriad of factors. One thing is true; you and your pet can handle them.

Home Quarantine and Your Pets

If the coronavirus pandemic has forced you to stay home, or you choose to in order to practice social distancing, your pets will feel some effects. After all, they must be having some thoughts and feelings about the fact that you’re suddenly home far more than normal.

While you’re initial thought may be, “Hey, they’ll love it; they’ll get more attention!”, and that may be true, never assume anything. You’re pets may love your extra presence and attention at first. However, like any creature, including humans, it could become a source of anxiety.

Your pets have become accustomed to a certain amount of personal space. Over the time you were off at work, they developed their own routine. Once you left, they began their own routine of getting in some extra shut-eye, or eating if you left foot, playing with toys and other possibilities. They filled their time methodically until you came home, and then that part of their daily routine began.

Now, their routine has been interrupted. That may mean extra snuggles and playtime with you, which is great. Yet, anytime a pet’s routine is disrupted, even with positives, there could be negative consequences.

So, start by doing your best to maintain your pet’s routine. Feed, walk and play when you would have prior to coronavirus. When you would have been away, give your pet some space to go about the day. You can’t help it if they decide to come to you; all you can do is your best to keep things normal.

If they act out, stay calm. You may be feeling some anxiety yourself thanks to the pandemic, and so dealing with poor animal behavior doesn’t help. Adding a little more playtime can help ease anxiety for both of you, the same way exercise quiets the mind with physical exhaustion. Work out some of that energy with your pet.

Going to the Vet During COVID Quarantine

Vets are doing the best they can during these times. Yet, they have to play it safe like everyone else. So, don’t expect things to work as they have normally. To find out how your vet managing the crisis, give them a call. Ask what they’re schedule is like, is there a waiting list and what should you expect when you come for a visit. Make sure to ask about changing hours and if you should show up extra early to accommodate new safety measures.

You may not be able to sit in a waiting room with your pet, and you may not even be able to sit with your pet during the examination. If this makes you uncomfortable, talk calmly with your vet’s office. Remember that these changes are hard on everyone and they understand many of your frustrations and fears. Work with them; we’re all in this together.

COVID quarantine with your pets doesn’t have to be difficult. Maybe you’ll have no problems at all, and maybe you’ll have more than you expected. Take a deep breath and remember you’re not alone. Reach out to us at PetVet Hospitals. We want to help you and your furry loved one through these difficult times.