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Pet owners across the country are struggling with pet care and how to care for their pets during the lockdown due to COVID-19. Many people are unsure about how to groom their dogs. There have been times I’ve gone to the grocery store and didn’t see a single bag of dog food on the shelves. Of course, we are all concerned about our furbabies getting sick from the virus as well. There is a lot to think about.
Can pets get coronavirus?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are many strains in the coronavirus family that have been found in cattle, camels, and bats. Dogs and cats have a coronavirus vaccine that they can get from their veterinarian, though this isn’t for the COVID-19 strain. Currently, there is no evidence that your dog or cat can get or give coronavirus to you. If you are concerned that either you or your pet are sick, it is best to continue isolation and talk to your medical provider.
No matter what, put together a COVID-19 emergency plan for your pet that includes extra food, medication, toys, grooming supplies, and contacts of veterinarians. If for some reason you get sick, your pet will be ready to stay with a friend or loved one at a moment's notice.
Can I take my pet to the vet during lockdown?
Veterinarians and their staff are considered essential workers during the lockdown. This means they are open for emergency visits and pet care. However, you will need to check with your veterinarian regarding nonemergency or urgent treatments. Many elective and nonurgent procedures and visits are being postponed until everyone can be confident about safety. This includes trimming nails and cleaning ears.
Pet grooming and pet food delivery during lockdown
This has to be one of the lighter sides of the COVID-19 lockdown: people trying to do their own pet grooming. One woman has hit viral fame for her trick of wrapping saran wrap around her head with peanut butter so her dog would be occupied while she clipped his nails. Laugh, it's funny, but it works. And this is just the start of what pet owners are trying in order to keep manes manageable during the pandemic.
Cameryn Vonbargen, Kansas mom of a 7-month-old and Goldendoodle was happy she had tried some grooming before the lockdown when into effect. "My poor boy looked awful when I began! I slowly taught myself what worked and what didn't," she told Mom.com. "The timing of lockdown was what did it for me!" Ultimately, she says consistently clipping has helped her learn what works for her dog – and what doesn't.
Basic grooming is your best friend's best friend when stuck in lockdown. "Brush your pet regularly to keep the fur detangled and check their ears to
keep them clean from wax or dirt," professional dog trainer Danielle Muehlenberg told Mom.com. "When you need to bathe your dog, use mild pet shampoo and rinse it off completely to avoid eczema." She reminds us that the perfect hair cut isn't really necessary in most cases. The goal is to keep your dog's stress levels down, especially if they sense yours during the pandemic.
Getting pet food and supplies delivered
Pet stores are considered essential needs and are open. However, that might not make you feel better about running into the pet store to get a bag of dog food. Great news, most major retailers will set up a delivery program. We've been using this for our dog for years now through Petco. At the start of the lockdown, when I saw his food was not on any shelves, I asked for his repeat delivery to be moved up so we had extra in case there was difficulty in getting it. We have an extra bag now and his next delivery will arrive within a couple of days.
Not only does this make sure my spoiled dog has the right dog food, but it saves my back from having to haul large bags of food from shelves to carts to cars to the house. Maybe I'm just getting lazy in old age but it certainly works for the lockdown.
Going back to work
The COVID-19 lockdown has been great for most dogs (and some cats) who love that the entire family is home to cuddle and play all day long. However, this can pose a problem when life gets back to normal. Dogs, in particular, are likely to become comfortable with everyone available all the time. When you return back to work and the kids go back to school, your dog may start to experience separation anxiety.
To prevent separation anxiety issues, be proactive. Take walks or drives (with everyone but the dog) so he can remember what it's like to be home alone. Encourage him to spend time outside alone. Even short periods of time will help him be better prepared to handle things when you go back to work.
