Maintaining a Routine with Your Pet
As we navigate this unexpected climate, it’s important to try to maintain some semblance of a normal life not only for ourselves, but our furry friends too! Keeping a regular routine during an uncertain time like this can help support good health, both physically and mentally, in you and your pet.
Spending all day at home may feel weird to you, and your four-legged family member likely feels the same way! While most pets are probably happy about having their pawrents home all day with them, it’s important to think about how this change in their daily routine can affect them. If your typical daily routine involves heading to work, and maybe kids heading to school, your pet has probably become accustomed to spending a good portion of their day at home alone. If you’re now spending your days at home, make sure you’re being mindful of how much time you’re spending with your pet and that you’re still scheduling some alone time throughout the day. This will hopefully prevent any anxieties when you begin to see a bit of normalcy return and you head back to work, as your pet won’t have to completely readjust again.
On a regular day, many pets may spend their time getting some shut eye while you’re at work. Now that you’re at home, do your best not to interrupt your pet if you see them snoozing during the day, as it’s important that they’re still able to maintain their regular sleep schedule. This also means going to bed and waking up at your regular time, as this will help both you and your pet maintain a sense of routine during this uncertain time. As our pets are creatures of habit who thrive on routine, try your best not to deviate too far from their regular mealtimes either.
Although spending more time indoors, daily exercise is still crucial to the health and well-being of you and your pet. Not only is it important for your physical health, but exercise can help trigger the release of endorphins and hopefully get your mind off some of life’s stressors! You may not be able to head to the gym to work out, but it’s important that you and your furry friend still get outside to get some fresh air and get moving.
If you’re working from home, going for a quick walk with your pet is a great way to take your breaks and clear your head! Just be sure when out for a walk that you are adhering to physical distancing guidelines. While it’s important that we are all being cautious and washing our hands regularly and properly, it’s also a good idea to wipe your fur baby’s paws down after returning for a walk or coming in from the yard. This can help remove any dirt and keep your home clean and allows you to inspect your pet’s paws to make sure they didn’t step on anything sharp!
As we welcome warmer weather, we unfortunately also welcome flea and tick season. Whether you’re going for a walk or simply spending some time in your yard, protecting your beloved companion against fleas and ticks is crucial. From topical treatments to flea combs and tick twisters, there are a number of products specially designed for cats and dogs that can aid in the prevention and removal of these pests.