How to Take Care of Your Pet during Covid-19

These are uncertain times for everyone and it is our responsibility to take care of our pets no matter what happens. A proper hygiene routine will go a long way in protecting you and your family against the infection and a few mindful steps can help you keep your pet safe too.

Here are some pet care tips that will be helpful during the pandemic:

Pet Care Tips: Hygiene during the Covid-19 Pandemic

1. Plan short walks with your dog. That will limit your and your pet’s exposure to the virus.
2. Try to keep your cats indoors during this time and do not let them roam about freely.
3. If anyone tries to pet or hug your dog while you’re outside, try to refuse politely.
4. Everytime you come back from a walk, ensure you clean your pet’s paws with a wipe dipped in diluted Savlon or potassium permanganate solution. This will ensure that the paws or the coat do not carry the virus on them.
5. Ensure you dry the paws after cleaning to avoid any sort of irritation that may lead to an infection.
6. Wash your hands regularly. This is especially important before you pet your dog after coming back home. In case you have had exposure, it will not be passed on to your dog’s coat.
7. Brush and groom your pet daily at home. Give your dog a bath at home once every 7-8 days, especially in the summer season.
8. If possible, avoid visits to stores and places where there are chances of other people and dogs coming by too.
9. Shop for pet supplies online and avoid going to stores to limit exposure.

Pet Care Tips: Physical and Mental Exercise

1. Since walks are limited due to the spread of Covid-19, plan as many fun games as possible with your dog at home. Going up and down the stairs (if they are not shared) and playing Fetch from one end of the house to the other are some easy options.
2. Make fun DIY challenges for your dog and try to keep them engaged as much as you can. A tired dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog a healthy one!
3. Planning a treasure hunt can be a super fun activity for you as well as your dog. While you can plan a hunt that is spread out in the different rooms of the house, you can also do a simpler version with treats hidden within a room and you trying to call out to your dog to find them. Treasure hunts ensure great physical as well as mental stimulation for your dog.
4. Try to use interactive games for dogs or toys in which you can stuff food. This will keep your dog busy for hours together (hopefully!) and will allow you to tend to household chores as well.
5. Book online consultation with pet trainers and understand how you can teach new tricks and commands to your pet. This can be a fun exercise and helps strengthen the bond between pets and parents as well.

What Happens If You Get Infected Too?

1. With the rising cases, plan for if and when, God forbid, you may get infected as well. Keep a list of dog boardings that are accepting dogs from families with Covid-19.
2. Have an identification tag for your pet ready in case you need to send him/her to a boarding facility.
3. If you need to tend to your pet while you’re infected, wear double masks at all times. Avoid cuddling, hugging or kissing your pet and DO NOT share food with the baby.
4. In case you are not able to arrange for a boarding and are unwell yourself, reach out to friends/family who may be comfortable with fostering and willing to help. 
5. Order grass patches and pee pads in case you are unable to take your dog out for walk anytime. Get your dog used to them gradually so that they are comfortable if and when the need arises.

In case of any questions, doubts or medical emergency, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. This will prevent amateur decisions and will ensure safety for you and your pet during the lockdown.

For more tips and information on taking care of your pets during Covid-19, read this: