ATLANTA, June 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- As an unexpected consequence of the quarantining and social distancing championed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other health organizations, pet adoptions in the U.S. have increased dramatically since COVID-19 hit our shores. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports as much as a 200 percent increase in applications to foster and/or adopt dogs and cats in some areas of the country. CAPInnoVet, a leading provider of differentiated animal health products sold through veterinarians, recognizes that COVID-19 has created some unique challenges for those who added a "Pandemic Pet" to the family during the crisis.
Dr. Leigh Hofmeister, Virginia veterinarian and author of the blog My Vet and Me, acknowledges the emotional link between people and their pets, and notes that this may be exacerbated during the stay-at-home requirements. "Pets adopted during the pandemic bask in the attention they receive while their new families are sheltering in place," she said. "However, as businesses begin to reopen and people resume their everyday lives, these pets will likely be spending more time alone, and may act out as a result."
Veterinarians want to make sure pet owners know how to best handle separation anxiety when the time comes for them to return to jobs and activities outside the home. Dr. Hofmeister councils pet parents about ways to make separation anxiety easier. She suggests:
- Wake up earlier than normal to spend time with your pet before you head out for the day. Go for a walk or play a game of fetch.
- Exercise your pet daily. As the weather warms up, go outside in the early morning and again in the early evening when the weather is cooler, rather than during the hotter parts of the day.
- Take advantage of pet daycare centers. This is a great way to socialize your pandemic puppy and keep him exercising and interacting with other dogs while you are away.
- Hire a pet sitter. Plenty of college and high school kids are home and looking for summer jobs. Have them come by, play laser tag with your cat, scoop the litter box, take your pet for a walk.
- If your business is opening up gradually, you may have a chance to ease your pet into the new schedule. Try to leave it alone for a few hours each day. For example, you might eat your lunch outside or take your conference call in your car a block away. Pets need to get used to being by themselves inside the home.
- Make sure you leave your pet's favorite toys out so he can entertain himself. Particularly with young puppies, toys give them something to chew on rather than your shoes or furniture!
First-time pet parents who adopt during the COVID-19 pandemic may be unfamiliar with preventative measures to keep pets healthy. With the stay-at-home restrictions lifting, now is a great time to bring your pet to a veterinarian for a check-up, especially if you were unable to do so during the quarantine. While periodic grooming will keep your new pet happy, preventative veterinary care will keep him healthy. Annual shots for disease prevention are a must and with the summer months ahead, measures must be implemented to keep your pet, and in turn your family, safe from tick and flea infestations. The best way to do this is with a product like Provecta Advanced, that both repels and kills fleas, insects and ticks. This is a critical preventative measure as pets and their owners head outdoors.
TWEET THIS: How to keep your BFF (Best Furry Friend) safe now that quarantines are being lifted. Be sure to use a product that repels and kills fleas, insects and ticks now that summer is on the way!
About CAPInnoVet
CAPInnoVet is a fast-growing companion animal products company with a diverse portfolio and a robust pipeline. The mission of CAPInnoVet is to be a key provider of differentiated companion animal health products providing better access to high quality and affordable pet medications. Visit https://capinnovet.com
SOURCE CAPInnoVet
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