During these unprecedented times, we humans have been requested to stay at home, due to COVID-19, to stop the spread of the virus.
While this may put a strain on our work and social life, there is one positive outcome of staying home if you have pets. Family dogs and cats are spending more quality time with their families.
Children and adults are home more, so their pets are reaping the benefits of having more attention and love rather than having to wait during the day until their owners come home. Our pets are impervious to all the rules and regulations that besiege us during this unusual time.
They need us and want us home with them. Their normally quiet home during the day is now alive with a flutter of activity once reserved for the weekends and holidays only. Vacations have been cancelled and for some children, school is now practiced at home.
Working from home is now a global reality for many. It is said that animals can feel our stress and tension. For those who still commute, we can be tired, hungry, stressed or had a bad day. We tend to want to be by ourselves to decompress. However, no one is happier to have you home than your pet.
Pets that are rescues are more likely to experience stress, separation anxiety and fear when their owners are gone during the day or for prolonged periods. Leaving a TV or talk radio station on can soothe anxiety because they can hear the rhythmic tone of human voices.
Staying Home Does Not Mean Staying Inactive
Walking dogs early in the morning or at night during summer is still imperative to both the owner and pets. Our dogs need to have that exercise just like we do. As it gets cooler, we have more opportunities to go for walks with our dogs during the day.
People and pets can pack on the pounds if expending energy is cut out. Walking dogs during the pandemic can relieve stress and keep us social. Visiting dog parks and neighbors outside can give your dog a sense of normalcy. Staying cooped up in the house is not a healthy option.
If there is a blessing to this pandemic, it is keeping people inside their homes and in the company of their pets. We cannot really know what our pets are thinking, but I am guessing they are happy we are home.
For more information, call Heather DeBrosse at (949) 290-6055, or email hdebrosse@yahoo.com.