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PET CARE DURING COVID-19 CRISIS

We are living in uncertain times as the novel Coronavirus has changed our lives beyond recognition in the past few months. The uncertainty and unpredictability of the situation coupled with stringent measures like social distancing and home quarantine have taken their toll on hoomans and pets alike. Here are some ways to take care of your pet amid the Corona crisis:

VETERINARY CARE In these uncertain times, vets from across Hyderabad have joined hands as corona warriors to take care of our furry friends. The unprecedented corona pandemic has affected vet clinics, hospitals as well as charitable organisations. Vet n Pet Hospital, the Animal Care Clinic, Super Speciality Veterinary Hospital and Confet Vet Clinic are some of the vet clinics and animal care centres that have opened their doors for pets during these uncertain times.

Veterinarians are facing a lot of challenges during these tough times such as unavailability of nursing staff and prefer to stick to online consultations for minor ailments while being available on appointment only basis for urgent cases. All essential protection measures ranging from checking the temperature of pet parents to allowing only one person and his/her pet in the clinic at a given point of time are being employed. Pet owners should talk with their dog’s vet and figure out a safe way to take him there. COVID-19 cannot spread to pets. However, dogs can suffer from canine Coronavirus the vaccine for which is easily accessible.

Viral coughing, tick and flea problems, dermatological infections, digestive disorders are on the rise due to lack of regular veterinary care. Pet parents are advised to keep a stock of essential medicines at home to tackle minor issues.

STRESS AND DEPRESSION AMONG PETS Home isolation amid the Corona scare has affected pets and pet parents alike and has spiked the anxiety levels of both. Appetite changes, isolation, digestive problems and clingy behaviour such as excessive rubbing or licking are signs your furry friends are going through a stressful period. If you notice that your pet is going through a phase of low mental health, make sure you help them get enough sleep to help them relax.

Increasing the number of playtime sessions does wonder to your pet’s overall well-being and also keeps them engaged and occupied. Vitamin A and E supplements can be added to their diet to help relieve

stress and lockdown anxiety. Cuddling and hugging your pet often helps to lower the stress levels of both parties. You can also play soothing music to calm down anxious pets.

Pet owners need to take special care of their pet’s diet to ensure they are mentally and physically healthy during the lockdown. Raw, uncooked food and chilled meals must be avoided at all times as they may increase the risk of infections. Owners must stock up on essentials like pet food and important medicines. Nutritious and balanced meals must be provided to pet dogs and cats to help overcome problems like obesity.

Puzzles, rope toys and long treat dispensers can be employed to mentally stimulate homebound dogs and provide them with some much-needed exercise. Happy Tailz Games provides the owners with the option of wooden handcrafted puzzles to engage their pets while building up the delicate bond with them.

Pet parents must keep themselves calm at all times as furry companions can sense nervousness. They must provide their pets with physical exercise including walks around the house and confined areas. Games like Hide n Seek and Fetch are old favourites. Pet parents should aim to keep their routine as normal as possible to avoid the risk of stressing out or over attending to the pets. Extra time at home can be utilised to teach them some new tricks.

With the novel Coronavirus spreading to 216 countries across the globe, pet owners are worried about running out of pet essentials and supplies. Owners need not fret as Hyderabad based stores are making efforts to keep essentials in supply.

Dog-O-Bow Plot. 5 & 6 , SVR homes, First flooor, above Pizza Base Near Prajay Megapolis, Kukatpally Housing Board Colony, Hyderabad, Telangana 500085 96769 66088

Just Dogs JAYABHERI ENCLAVE, PLOT NO 26 IN SY.NO 103/1,105 AND 106, Gachibowli Rd, Serilingampally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032 082475 52050

Ammu’s Pets & Kennels 6-3-349, Alpha Business Centre, Nagarjuna Circle, 20/2A, Rd Number 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034 097004 00309

WALKING YOUR PET Owners need to employ some necessary precautions to ensure their pet’s fur doesn’t get contaminated with the virus while walking them. Clean your pet’s fur with a wet linen or muslin cloth with some antiseptic liquid. DO NOT sanitize your pet’s fur or paws as sanitizers are not suitable for use on furry friends and may result in poisoning. Also, make sure not to meet your friends while walking your pets as this may result in the transmission of the novel Coronavirus.

TOILET TRAINING Teaching your pet to poop in the balcony or other open space in the house can be challenging but with the COVID-19 infections rising each

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day it has become the need of the hour. Toilet train your pet to pee or poop at a selected place at home. Shower it with positive reinforcement when it does this. It can be followed by treats and toys to ensure your pets gradually learn the new spot to relieve themselves.

Pawspot pet toilet is a good option for people living in apartments as it mimics the preferred relieving surfaces for dogs and cats. It offers lightweight pet loos for dogs that are equipped with a water flushing system with an automated timer. The toilet can be set up in the balcony or any other open areas. Alternatively, pet owners can try to recreate the kind of surface their pets relieve on using soil, pebbles and bricks.

IF YOU TEST COVID POSITIVE? Pets can carry the novel Coronavirus on their fur and thus should not be allowed to go out and interact with other pets or human beings. Make sure you take all necessary precautions like sanitising your hands, covering your face with a protective mask, wearing gloves and covering your hair with a cap whenever you interact with your furry bundle. As COVID-19 spreads through droplet transmission, ensure the least possible touch and actively discourage activities like hugging and kissing.

Regular baths and disinfection measures are necessary to make sure that your beloved cat or dog does not become a source of virus contamination. If you are self-isolating at home, you can contact a dog boarding facility to take care of your pet’s needs until you are feeling better. Alternatively, select an emergency contact who will take care of your pet in case your symptoms worsen and you are hospitalised. Keep your pet’s vet and your emergency contact informed of your situation.

You can also create an emergency care kit by bundling up your pet’s favourite foods and toys to give to your emergency contact. This should be supplemented with a First Aid Kit along with your pet’s medical documents and vet’s contact details for unforeseen situations.