Quarantine tips from our pets

by Molly Barnes

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced people around the world to put many aspects of their lives on hold, with residents in some countries, states or even localized towns and cities, under stayat-home orders.

The longer the pandemic persists, the higher the risk of depression grows - especially for people who feel isolated while sheltering in place.

But there's some good news for pet owners and pet sitters - pets can help ease some of the loneliness associated with quarantine.

In fact, since the pandemic arrived in the USA and people were encouraged to practice social distancing, animal shelters and pet adoption agencies have seen a big boost in adoptions.

This should come as no surprise. Our cuddly furballs can be the source of unlimited love. But that's not all they provide. We also can get some top-notch visual advice about getting through and surviving coronavirus isolation by watching the behaviours of our pets.

Makeover for the home

Now more than ever, home is your safe haven. But it's still tiring to look at the same set of walls day in and day out. Why not mix it up a bit and give yourself something to get excited about?

Dogs can squeeze themselves into any space, regardless of how tight it is. Cats, as you know, are the boss and will take any space they please, even knocking stuff off shelves and tables if it strikes their fancy. They make the most of their situation and get comfortable.

You can do the same.

Maybe not by knocking down your precious things to clear space, but you can use your stay-athome time to clear out bedrooms, basements, attics, or other areas of the home. Get rid of clutter and stuff you really no longer need.

If you're a homeowner, you might want to go a step further and get started on remodelling to create the home you've always dreamed of. Create a budget and price up equipment costs. While the project is happening, it will provide a nice focus for your thoughts and efforts — and once it's done, you'll be able to make yourself more comfortable, just like your furry friends.

Improvisation

Resourcefulness is another valuable trait you can learn from your pets. Household supplies can be difficult to find these days. Many products are out of stock, or warehouses are so backlogged that it may be months after stay-at-home orders end before items arrive. Cats and dogs find ways to get what they want, whether it's swiping a piece of food off the table or going out to hunt for it. If you're clever, you can do the same.

Why not make your own masks out of old T-shirts and pieces of fabric that are lying around the house. You can even turn vacuum-cleaner bags, furnace filters, or other HEPA-grade materials into filters for them.

Create natural household cleaners out of vinegar, baking soda, and peroxide. If push comes to shove, you can even make your own toilet paper!

Improvisation is an important skill right now, so take a cue from your pets and see what you come up with.

Health advice

Pets are great when it comes to taking care of themselves. Left to their own devices, animals will stay clean, fed, watered, and rested from day-to-day. You can learn from them in this area, too. Just watch them throughout the day and see how regimented they are when it comes to taking care of their bodies.

- Hydration. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Fido will drink from the toilet if the bowl is empty, and Fluffy might take to licking the droplets in the sink, but they're always hydrated. Keep your own water bowl filled so you don't lose fluids and become sick.

- Bathing regularly. When every day seems to blur into the next during quarantine, it's easy to forget to jump into the shower. But think about the amount of time dogs and cats spend licking to groom themselves. With the virus spreading, now's not the time to let down your guard around hygiene. Take a shower daily and wash your hands with soap several times a day for 20 seconds.

- Keeping a clear head. It's not only your physical health you have to watch while in selfisolation, but your mental health, as well. Dogs and cats take time to chase their tails, stare out the window, or roll around on the floor. Similarly, you should be sure to take a walk, find time for a bike ride, meditate or walk barefoot on a beach. Whatever it takes to help you to clear and calm your mind - and maintain your sanity.

- Eating well. You don't have to go digging in the trash can or any of the other creative places pets find food, but you should try to maintain healthy eating habits during isolation. Grab your favorite cookbook and learn how to cook a healthy meal, find an interesting food blog online, or watch some cooking lessons on YouTube. More people have discovered the art of bread making at home since lock-downs began – the smell of freshly baked bread will make you feel that life is still good!

- Relaxation. Take cat naps — and take them often. You know Spot and Garfield are doing it, and look how chilled they are!

Now, more than ever, you want to be sure to take good care of yourself. It'll keep your immune system stronger and your physical condition intact.

Relationship tips

Dogs and cats provide unconditional love. Whether they give you a big lick across the face or drop a dead mouse on your doorstep, you always know where you stand in their estimation. During this time of high stress, be sure to give your relationships the attention they deserve, as well.

Animals communicate. Dogs bark out the window or through the fence. Cats yowl and purr to share their sentiments. Though it's easy to slip into zombie mode when your workday is done, instead of binge-watching TV, make an effort to contact your family and friends.

Make a phone call, organize a Zoom (or Skype) event, or send out some text messages. Contact people you know who are living alone. Social distancing might be a necessity where you live, but it's still not easy — so make the effort to preserve the relationships you care about.

As a house and pet sitter, why not send out an email, a short video or a memory from your time house sitting from them. Let your clients know you're thinking of them and their pets, and tell them you hope to see them again soon.

Keeping distance

Cats and dogs also persevere when they need to, and you can learn a lot from them. They can even help you get better at social distancing: They'll hiss or bark at people who get too close. Don't be shy about asking other people to keep the required distance away if they get too close to your personal bubble.

This is an unprecedented time for everyone. The COVID-19 health crisis has created challenges unlike anything we've ever seen. When you're feeling down and it's starting to seem like this isolation will never end, just take a look at your best furry pal.

Then give them a big hug, knowing that this, too, shall pass (and, hopefully, you'll be back at the dog park before you know it).

Meanwhile, stay healthy, stay safe, and — perhaps most challenging of all — stay sane! With the help of your pets or the furry friends you care for, you will get through this crisis.

I’m Molly Barnes. For several years, I’ve had a yearning to wander and travel. A lot of people wait until retirement, but I really wanted to do it while I’m young. In mid-2018, my amazing boyfriend Jacob Welch and I decided to leave our desk jobs and make it happen. We spent a few months backpacking abroad. When we returned to the U.S., we bought a used RV, put our stuff in storage, and hit the road.

Follow Molly and Jacob at: DigitalNomadLife