Since the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic happened, you and your pet need to adapt to the new normal of staying at home together all day. No more trips and walks in your favorite far places together. Fortunately, you can still rely on each other for companionship and entertainment, even during such uncertain times.
A nationally representative survey of pet owners and non-pet owners commissioned by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Mars Petcare found that pets reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially during a worldwide quarantine more health benefits. Result says, (1) 80% of pet owners say their pet makes them feel less lonely, while 54% say their pet helps them connect with other people.
Since your pet helps you to adapt to your new normal as you do your part in social distancing, why not return the favor and take care of their needs even during the pandemic:
Train your pet
Make use of the time you are at home and train your pet. This way, when you get back to work in the office, you can leave them without the worry of coming home with a devastating sight – dirty floors, ruined furniture, wrecked shoes, and more.
Prepare your fur baby’s favorite snack and make it a treat and practice some tricks. Then, reward them with the treat and petting.
Walk them in the morning.
Outdoor exercise is now possible and no longer a part of the quarantine restriction by the government. But, we owners should not forget to wash our hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after each walk. Bring an alcohol or hand sanitizer in a pocket-sized bottle during your walks. Lastly, don’t forget to wear your face masks!
Bring outdoor fun, indoors.
Even though we can walk them outside, we still can’t do most of the activities they love to do outside. So, why not substitute outdoor activities normally done by the animals to keep them physically and mentally active even indoors? We can create an indoor agility course out of books, recycled bottles, and other household items. Lure your pet through the course with a treat or toy, or have your pet follow you.
For those with limited space, playing tug of war or hide and seek can also be fun! Just be sure to clean your house and that your fur baby takes a bath regularly. Do not forget also to bring them to your vet to give their treatment and protection against fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Learn more about how you can protect your furbaby against parasites at Bravecto.
Any activities can be fun for our fur-babies as long as they do it with their favorite hooman – you! So, use this quarantine period to spend more quality time with your four-legged friend to reap the mental health benefits of pet ownership.
Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.