{"id":41,"date":"2021-03-24T17:17:37","date_gmt":"2021-03-24T17:17:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.myvetbox.com\/?p=41"},"modified":"2021-03-24T17:17:37","modified_gmt":"2021-03-24T17:17:37","slug":"how-covid-has-impacted-our-dogs-and-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vetbox.com\/blog\/2021\/03\/24\/how-covid-has-impacted-our-dogs-and-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"How COVID Has Impacted Our Dogs and Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pets during the pandemic and how we can care for them<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The rise of the Pandemic Pet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It goes without saying that COVID has impacted the world beyond everyone\u2019s expectations. However our pets are a group that have been easy to forget and the pandemic has had a big impact on them too. While our daily routines and activities have been shuffled, so have theirs. In this post we take a look at some considerations for our furry family members during this pandemic from a vet\u2019s perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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You\u2019re spending a lot more time at home, isn\u2019t that good?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is great in many scenarios, it means your pet gets more time with you! At VetBox many of our pets have been thrilled to have us at home more. It means we\u2019ve been playing a lot more fetch and going for many more walks. Some of us are getting a lot more exercise, which includes our pets! While this can be a good thing, it\u2019s important to realise that this can also have some less desirable effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We may see more cases of separation anxiety<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pets, particularly dogs, that have gotten used to their humans being home all day have been showing increased signs of anxiety when the owners do have to leave the house. Having a plan for re-adjusting your dog to alone time once your schedule starts to change again will be an important planning tip for pet parents as 2021 progresses. Gradual transitions in routine are best to decrease anxiety. Ensuring they have had appropriate attention and exercise prior to leaving the house is helpful. Doing your best to maintain some of the good habits you have developed while being home more will make it an easier transition for your pup!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cats love you, but might not be thrilled you\u2019re around so much<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some cats have been happy to have their humans around more, with some enjoying a warm body to cuddle. It\u2019s important to remember however that cats are creatures that are VERY easily stressed. Even the smallest changes in routine can cause significant anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You may not realise your cat is stressed, as they mask this well and often display behaviours owners don\u2019t associate with stress. More obvious behaviours may be urinating outside the litter tray or outward displays of displeasure (scratching or biting), but things as simple as hiding more, avoiding you, decreased food consumption, or increased altercations with housemates can be a sign of stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being sure to provide enrichment and stress relief for cats is just as important as dogs, so here are our top tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n