This article has not been written to make you feel panicked but it is very important that we prepare for the weeks and months to come.
At the time of writing it seems almost inevitable that huge chunks of the population will be advised to self-isolate; either from showing symptoms themselves or being in contact with others that have shown symptoms. Pets do not pose a threat to us with coronavirus as there is not evidence that shows that they can actively shed the virus. The current evidence is to be careful when handling your pet and observe good hygiene. Pets have always had the potential to infect us with a variety of illnesses(intestinal worms, Leptospirosis, Salmonella and E.coli to name but a few) and that is still true now but coronaviruses are quite picky about their hosts.
Our pets are a huge source of companionship and have been shown to reduce stress, lonliness and depression enormously. The bonds we share with our pets are like nothing else and these bonds are going to be hugely supportive in these trying times. Whilst our pets may wonder why we are at home more than usual at the moment, they are likely to be very happy to get more attention. Afterall, haven’t most of us wished at some point that we could stay home from work with our pets?
- Ensure you have a supply of food for your pets. I am not saying you need to stockpile, just plan ahead. Dry food is generally the most efficient way to feed your pet a complete diet and it lasts a long time without taking up precious space in your freezer.
- During isolation periods it may not be wise or allowed to go for long dog walks so I’d recommend creating a few new ways to entertain your friend at home. It would also be worth cutting down on their rations slightly to prevent any weight gain.
- Ensure that you order any repeat medications for you and your pets well in advance so that longer delivery times or supply issues do not affect your pet’s treatment.
- Continue with good preventative health care to help reduce the risk of your pet becoming ill.
- Continue protecting against fleas, ticks and worms. Self isolating with one pet may sound pleasant for a few days but you don’t want to be stuck in a house with a million fleas!
- Stay in contact with your vet. At Beacon View Vets, in Eastry near Sandwich, our phone lines are now open from 8.30am until Midnight on weekdays. If you need help or advice with anything then please don’t hesitate to call us. We have already rolled out new protocols and services to help protect our wonderful community, find out more here. No matter what the problem, we can find you a solution. We are even able to post or personally deliver to you (although for now we’ll have to decline the cup of tea and chat!)
The current outlook shows that we are all going to experience something new and uncharted in the coming months. All sectors of society will be affected and every family subjected to uncertainty and worry.
Already there has been a huge sense of community locally and I really do mean that I’ll help any way I can; please do get in touch if you need anything. Be kind, be safe and be well.
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