Here's how you can take care of your pets because they are the most affected during the lockdown

While everyone is staying indoors during the Coronavirus lockdown to flatten the curve, our pets too are bearing the brunt of the situation. Being locked inside is not easy for anyone, especially our four-legged friends. Many pet parents are complaining that their pets are losing appetite and they seem to have grown lethargic. It's not just their physical health that at stake, being indoors for long hours without any exercise can lead to anxiety in pets. Also, lack of physical activity would affect their metabolism, which would lead to appetite loss and a weak immunity system. Therefore, it is very important to take extra care of your furry little friends and here's how you can make the self-isolation period more tolerable for your pets.

Keep them physically and mentally active


It is not advisable to take your pets out for a walk during the lockdown. And this inevitably would affect their physical health because according to experts, being cooped inside for long might make dogs prone to depression and anxiety. While you cannot take them out for a stroll, yet you can look for innovative ways to keep them physically and mentally active. One such game that can keep a dog busy is 'hide and fetch'. Keep aside an hour to spend time with your pet and indulge in such games. Also, if you have a staircase in your house, make good use of it. Climbing the staircase can be a good exercise both for parents and pets.

Maintain good hygiene

This is one big problem that many pet parents are facing now. Given the fact that pets have to stay indoors, they have very limited options to relieve themselves, especially for those who live in apartments. Animal feces, which contain germs and parasites like roundworm, hookworm etc., should be properly disposed of. So have litter bags handy and whenever your dog relieves himself, pick it up using the bag and dispose of hygienically. Make store extra litter bags to suffice for the lockdown. Also, in case you are taking your dog out to relieve himself, do that at such hours where you are less likely to encounter any other people. Keep safe distance and don't let your pet loiter around.


Pets and lockdown


Have an emergency kit

These are difficult times and you never know when you might run into an emergency with your pet. Just like you have a fast aid for yourself, keep an emergency kit ready for your pet too. Besides a 30-day supply of food, make sure that your emergency kit for the pet has the following items--bandages, scissors, thermometer, cotton, a syringe without needle to administer oral medication, all the medicines for reducing fever, stopping vomiting etc. Also keep your de-worming medicines handy because you never know if the lockdown may be extended. Keep in touch with your vet over the phone regularly and whenever you see the slightest symptom of any sickness get in touch with your vet.


Rationing food

Desperate times require desperate measures. So, it's important to keep a strict eye on your stocked pet food. Since you will be with your pet almost all the time, you might be tempted to feed him extra just to keep him happy. Avoid doing so because your pet is already without physical activities and it will be wise to not run out of food before the lockdown is over.




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