Dr. Alexandra Barrientos
As we battle these
unusual pandemic times, we find ourselves spending more time at home. Many of
us have taken the plunge and adopted a pet, joining the growing population of
pet owners.
These crazy times are
actually benefiting the human-animal bond, allowing pets and their human
companions to take advantage of all the pet related activities that they we now
have more time for. To their delight, dogs, cats and birds have us doting on
them like never before.
People ask about their pet care concerns. As a veterinarian, I get asked by clients
as well as friends and neighbors about how to best take care of their new
companions during these stressful times. Are they sensing our stress and worry?
Should I worry about them getting COVID-19 viral infections? Should we see our veterinarian,
or wait to update vaccines and prepare for the coming tick/flea/heartworm
season? Is it safe to allow my children to pet dogs and cats?
These
are all valid and important questions that need to be dealt with as a
responsible pet owner. Pets can be a great source of stress relief, as well as
a great source of stress. The best way to deal with all the challenges that our
fur and feathered family members bring parallels one of the best ways we deal
with our new way of life under this pandemic.
Create
a schedule and follow it. Keep in mind that we
will return to normalcy at some point, and our pet companions will be left at
home. There will be less time spent with them as family members return to more
normal activity outside the home. In order to lessen the stress this change
will cause on your pet's psyche, create a schedule for their walks, feedings
and play times. These should be timed to mimic what you believe life will be
like once you and your family members return to the workforce, school, etc.
Minimize
separation anxiety. This is a real issue that
many pets face when they feel they are left behind. The last thing you’ll want
to deal with when starting a more rigorous schedule is having your beloved pet
companion freak out and manifest destructive behaviors onto themselves and your
home while you are gone. Separation anxiety is a real condition, and pets
suffering from it may even end up requiring medication.
Schedule the basics. Following
a schedule does not mean that you cannot add extra time shared with your pet
during your stay at home. It means that the basics, like feeding time, walking
time, and sleeping time, need to happen on a scheduled, daily basis so your pet
can trust you being gone without feeling a threat to their basic needs.
Discussing these and the many other issues that pet ownership brings should be
done with your veterinarian. Finding and creating a good relationship with one
is important. Find someone that goes beyond basic vaccine and medication care
and able to answer behavior questions to your satisfaction.
Consult
your pet’s veterinarian. Creating a good
relationship with a veterinarian is important as we face unprecedented times.
The recommendation by the American Veterinary Medical Association at his time
is to have your pet follow social distancing just like you are. Although having
your pet wear a mask is not possible, keeping them 6 feet away from other
people and pets is recommended.
Pets may carry the virus. Although
pets do not succumb to the disease like people do, they may carry the virus in
their nasal passages/throats which can go from one person to another. The
length of time and amount the COVID-19 virus survives in them is not known yet.
The incidence seems to be low, but not impossible. Until we know more, it is
important to be cautious and keep pets away from people that may be infected.
If the pet lives with an infected person, the pet should be tested by your Vet
just like people are tested by their doctors to make sure they are safe to
rejoin society. Therefore, avoid having you and your children pet and be licked
by pets other than your own. If someone in your home is COVID-19-positive,
quarantine restrictions should apply to your pet just like they apply to you.
Stay away and get tested.
Consider
curbside care. Veterinary hospitals are
considered essential operations during this pandemic. Keeping up with vaccines,
flea, tick and heart worm control, and getting immediate attention for a sick
pet is recommended. Be prepared for curbside service, and to hand over your pet
to a well-protected and qualified technician without going into the building
yourself. Bring your cellphone and most importantly, let the medical
professionals know if your pet was in contact with anyone had had the virus.
Avoiding tick borne diseases, rabies, and flea infestations are part of the
reasons why a visit to your veterinarian is important during these crazy
times.
Follow these simple directions and stay
safe.
Dr. Alex, with her practice partner Robert Codacovi, own Earth Angels
Veterinary Hospital, 44 Saint Nicholas Road, Wappingers Falls NY 12590 845/
227-P-A-W-S (7297) earthangelsvet.com