Pandemic Puppies: Why Not?
Pandemic puppies. It seems to be a popular headline in the media recently, and there is some truth to this. I work in a small animal private practice and my new patient numbers are up over 50% from April of last year. Many shelters and pet stores were emptied out right before the official stay at home order was announced, and I know several breeders who are receiving more puppy applications than ever before. It thrills me to see families accepting a new furry family member, but is now the time to be adding to the family?
The stay at home order and social distancing guidelines have provided a unique opportunity to many families: parents are working from home, children and young adults are involved in virtual learning which brings the family unit together under one roof every day. Having all of the family members at home really creates an almost perfect environment to adopt a pet. And what better way to lift your spirits than to bring a new furry family member home?! I believe it is an ideal time to adopt an animal, but there are few recommendations I have for those of you adding to the family during this unique time.
ROUTINE
We (and our animals) are creatures of habit! And while it is tempting to ‘Netflix and chill’ during quarantine, creating and maintaining a routine for all animals (and people!) in the house helps to normalize the stay at home situation and will aide in the transition out of quarantine when the time comes. It will come, I promise! Our pets (new or current) have no idea there is a pandemic. They just know their people are home more than usual. And while you may be taking your pet on more walks, engaging in more fetch and retrieve games, this will taper off as life gradually returns to normal. I am concerned our pets (whether they are newly adopted or not) will develop separation anxiety when their people aren’t around all day. So, how can you help to prevent anxiety from developing in your new or current pet? It is important to allow your pet some time alone each day. Puppies are often crate trained, so after a period of playtime, place your puppy in the crate with a toy or a treat (I like Kong toys filled with peanut butter and frozen overnight) and go for a walk or just sit outside for your next conference call. Ideally your fur baby is tired and ready to nap because they just spent time playing in the yard and working on new skills with you. In addition to making sure your pets get time by themselves each day, think about trying your best to mimic a schedule similar to what your life was like prior to COVID19 quarantine. Consider how much time your pet will be by themselves and implementing that schedule now, will make transition back to work and school easier for all parties when that time comes.
SOCIALIZING
Whether you purchased a puppy or adopted a pet from the shelter, socialization is so important for animals (and humans!). However, with social distancing guidelines in place, many of the traditional avenues like puppy classes and doggy daycares aren’t available. Work with your puppy or kitten indoors to expose them to different sights (hooded sweatshirts, hats and our beloved masks!) and sounds (use the television, YouTube, etc). Take your puppy or newly adopted dog outdoors in your yard to work on leash behaviors (cats can learn to walk on a leash too!). This is a great time to work on leash manners as there are few distractions in your home and yard. When your pet has done well in a familiar environment without much distraction, take to the road and go on walks around your neighborhood. Animals are allowed to socialize with each other, so get a long leash that allows your pet to sniff and see others while maintaining a safe social distance between you and other pet parents. I know some people have even organized zoom puppy classes or even in person play dates with people staying safe distances apart while still allowing the animals to play. Get creative, because socializing is important for all of us. We can still be social albeit at a distance.
GET OUTSIDE
In line with socializing your new addition, they need changes of scenery just like we do. It is not healthy for any human or animal to be kept indoors for very long. I live near the beach and while the beaches are closed for sunbathing, they are open for fresh air and exercise: walking, running, swimming and surfing! Hey, I know a couple of dogs that enjoy catching a good wave! Get creative and explore safely. Research some hiking trails nearby or drive to a different neighborhood for your walk. The sights, smells, and sounds of being outside their home really encourage healthy development in your pets: whether they are a new addition or not!
VET CHECK
Lastly, make sure both your current pets and new additions have been examined by your veterinarian. Veterinary clinics are essential businesses and keeping your pets healthy is definitely essential! Although there may be protocol changes (i.e. curbside service) we are still working hard to maintain the health of your fur baby. I have been doing several FaceTime exams with families who have decided to adopt a new pet and we all really love it. Even if you haven’t adopted or purchased a new pet, your current fur baby may be going on more frequent walks in different environments that they definitely were not doing prior to COVID19. This is wonderful but it is also putting pets at risk for exposure to parasites and diseases they might not have been heavily exposed to prior to quarantine. Talk with your family veterinarian (many practices are offering telemedicine so you don’t have to leave your home!) about any vaccines they may need and if they need additional protection against fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. I have been seeing animals with fleas and ticks for about 3 months now here in Virginia, and I know it is only going to get worse as people continue to venture out in search of a change in scenery. Now is not the time to delay care for your fur babies: current or new!
I hope all of you are staying healthy & safe. This time of quarantine is new for everyone and we are all trying to navigate it as best we can. Adopting a puppy, a senior dog or cat or a kitten is really the perfect way to warm everyone’s hearts and give family members some responsibility. But please remember, we won’t be in quarantine forever. Our pets need a schedule so that when we do go back to a more normal daily routine, they won’t be left behind.
– Leigh Hofmeister, DVM