4 Things To Keep Your Pets Clean and Healthy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Your pets are part of your family and, as such, they deserve the same level of care and attention as everyone else. In these complicated times, however, it can be easy to overlook their special needs. Remember that your pets can sense your anxiety, fear and stress. Too much negativity can really impact their health in a serious way. Luckily, they are really good at alleviating those feelings and helping you to feel calm and balanced. Instead of getting overwhelmed by the current pandemic, take a few extra steps to keep your pets safe and healthy while gaining the benefits of their calming companionship.

1. Stock Up on Food and Treats

You know you won't be able to run out to the store to get pet food whenever you feel like it. Between store hours changing, special safety precautions in place and shortages of crucial household staples, there is no guarantee you will be able to get what you need when you need it. Instead of taking that chance, stock up on non-perishables like dried foods and treats.

Of course, stocking up on big bags of food can be expensive and budgets are stretched pretty tight for a lot of families. Look for sales, discounts or coupons for the brands you buy most. Online lenders will often offer great deals like a Dr Marty Pets coupon code for the specialty brands your pets prefer. If you are having trouble paying for food, talk to your local Humane Society about donations that might be available.

2. Have All Their Medications on Hand

While veterinarians are generally operating during shutdown orders, you may have a hard time ordering medications, This is especially true if you normally use online retailers that are experiencing sometimes severe delays in shipping. While it might be fine to be a few days late on a routine preventative, you won't want to take any chances if your pets have serious medical conditions that require medication. Stock up with enough for at least a couple of months, and then reorder early enough to avoid running out if shipping takes longer than normal. A few items that you will want to stock up on include:

Flea and tick preventative

Heart-worm medications

Any prescriptions they currently take

Anti-anxiety medications

Joint support and arthritis medications

3. Use Pet Wipes To Clean Their Fur

Germs can reside on your pets just like they stay on door handles. The best way to avoid this is to not let people you don't know handle your animals if at all possible. Of course, if you are out at the park it can be hard to keep people from loving that cute and fluffy pup. Take some gentle cleansing wipes along with you and be sure to clean off their fur before you get back in the car or house. This way any contamination is limited to that short period of time. Look for products that are specially designed for pets to avoid irritation and dryness. If your pet likes to get dressed up, now might be a good time to invest in a few extra outfits.

4. Provide Opportunities for Exercise and Entertainment

Animals need exercise because it helps them maintain a healthy weight and promotes joint health, but it can be difficult to get when you are stuck inside during quarantine. If you have a dog, this can be easily achieved by going for walks together. If parks are open where you live, head out for a hike that is suitable for both of your fitness levels. Cats get exercise by climbing, jumping and chasing thighs. Use toys and climbing towers to keep them active and engaged. Active pets are also more engaged, which is a great way to keep them from getting into boredom-induced trouble. Balls, Puzzle feeders and stuffed treats can give less engaged animals an incentive to play.

Planning ahead can help you keep your pets safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both you and your pet will stay healthier and happier if you keep plenty of supplies on hand, are proactive about ordering medications and work to keep them engaged and active.