Taking Care Of Our Pets - Also In Difficult Times

1. Taking Care Of Our Pets - Also In Difficult Times For most owners their pet is like another child – an additional family member. So the pet should receive the same amount of attention and care that the rest of the household is entitled to. This applies to all situations and circumstances, be they good or less favorable. The pet needs not only food and water, or a safe place to sleep, comfort and attention; it also needs you when it feels unwell and needs the intervention of a vet, for medical care or simply for a routine check-up to make sure all is well with the animal. Pet owners know, too, that their animals exhibit a range of emotions, right from being happy (think of a smile on their face and a wagging tail) to being sad (drooping face and unhappy body language). Animals also pick up on their owners’ emotional life and react to what they feel and understand about humans’ emotional well-being. They know when you’re happy, when you’re sad, when you’re worried. During periods that the owner is un-well or sick, the animal will try and offer comfort, lie by your feet, follow you around. It is therefore a two-way street, one that the owner or human is in control of: be mindful of your pets’ emotions and how they react to yours. People get sick; they get worried. Take, for example, prolonged periods such as recuperating from an operation, or a threatening illness such as cancer, or the flu, or the new fear on everybody’s lips: the corona virus. People who get this flu will rely on their family and friends to offer whatever support they can; a loving pet will indeed do their part too and offer comfort. For many owners there is an additional worry: will my pets be safe during this terrible time, whether or not I develop the illnesses related to the virus? Many may worry that pets may get it too. How will that impact the animal, and the owner’s relationship with the pet? The good news is that there is absolutely no evidence that one’s pets – cats and dogs – will get the virus and suffer from it, or infect the owners. But, as is the case with handling anything during the time of corona: always wash your hands after contact with the pet. It remains good practice for all. Make sure you wash and bathe your animal regularly as you always would anyway. Of course corona brings in other dimensions into one’s home life. In many countries the world all over their is the real threat of the so-called “lockdown” which can last for weeks, a time of social distancing and the minimum contact with others. This also means that, depending on which state or country you live in, you may not be able to take your dog for a walk or a run in the park or out in the open. Pets, like humans, will be hemmed in, and it may

2. cause anxiety, behavioral problems, unhappiness in an otherwise happy and well-adjusted pet. Cats may still be able to move around more freely: it is tougher on owners and dogs. A few things to remember about keeping your animals happy and safe during difficult times such as illness and uncertainty, especially if they’re forced to remain indoors, may help to relieve stress: Be kind and gentle, show it lots of affection and love– often. It puts them at ease and helps you to relax; You do not want to interfere with their routine and habits, but think about the additional treat in the form of a spoil such as edibles – more regularly than normal; it shows them you ancare, and it will also lift your own mood; Keep them occupied. Play games with them in the garden; do not stop walking or exercising them as much as you can in your own yard. For flat dwellers: even ball games help them to get rid of energy and anxiety. Keep them busy as much as you can. Of course the above are mere suggestions. Every owner may have their own ideas. What is important to remember is this: show them love and care: they react positively and you, the owner, will feel better too. About Us: At Powell Veterinary Service we offer all pet owners almost 30 years of dedicated, unrivalled service to ensure their pets remain healthy and happy. We offer great experience and are proud of the services we offer with regard to all aspects of animal care. We perform surgeries, we spay and neuter, we offer boarding facilities and we provide puppies for different activities that appeal to our clients. At PVS we also offer a wellness service for pets to ensure any conditions are picked up early. We are Kersey, CO based and serve the surrounding areas. We are available by appointment, but also for emergency situations. Pets are our passion and we ensure that your animal receives excellent treatment from our practice. For more about us please visit https://powellvets.com/.