Pandemic Pets: How Post-Lockdown Life Is Affecting Your Furry Friends
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned upside down almost every corner of human life, and for millions of people, one of the most profound changes has been opening their doors to pets. An unprecedented number of pet adoptions took place at animal shelters throughout the early days of the pandemic, as millions of people were lockdown-bound. Whether it was a cuddly kitten, an energetic puppy, or an inquisitive hamster, many turned to furry companions for comfort in a life that seemed to be very dark. As of now, life is starting its journey back toward its meaningful familiar, so the question remains: how's this pandemic afterlife treating the furry love in our lives?
The Rise of Pandemic Pets
Pet adoptions soared during the heyday of the pandemic. In fact, almost 23 million U.S. households adopted a pet in the middle of the pandemic, according to the ASPCA, meaning it is a match made in heaven with more people working from home and, therefore, having more time to devote to their furry friends. But those pets provided companionship, comfort, and joy during uncertainty and fear unleashed on the world. But the bond developed during such long periods of lockdown also grew deeper and richer in a way that pets become acclimated to their owner's presence and routines.
The New Normal: How to Survive A Return-to-Work Strategy
When the ban was lifted and people were sent back to work, things started getting tougher for pet owners. Pets, which never left the sight of their owners for a day, nowadays spend more hours with no companion than ever. For some, it spelled anxiety and stress. Dogs, being companions, have much to tie themselves to. The feeling of desertion, therefore, is nothing but the direct result of separation for eight hours a day.
Experts conclude that since owners returned to work, separation anxiety in pets reached its all-time high. Symptoms range from extreme barking, destructive conducts, and inappropriate elimination down to excessive licking, hiding, or other much less evident things. The quiet calm house environment left most pets derailed.
Preparation of Pets before Returning to Normal
Experts even say that there are some means that make the transition easy for the pets. Here's an entertaining list of tips to help our furry pals adjust to our changing environment:
- Practice short departures: Be out of the room or house for short periods and gradually extend the time you're away from them. That way, they'll learn to be alone and aren't going anywhere.
- Transition to a comfort space: move to a warm space with his or her toys, blankets, and an article of clothing that you wear. This will provide comfort as he or she adjusts to your being away.
- Follow a routine: there needs to be routine about meals, walks, and time to play done regularly. Pets like routine and predictability so that they can feel safer.
- Interactive Play: You can have bonding time with your pet during your presence at home. The interactive play will create bonding with them but also exhausts them to sleep when you leave.
- Doggy Daycare and/or Pet Sitters: If you cannot dedicate more hours at home, then daycare or a pet sitter is the best alternative for now. Their presence gives companionship and keeps them stimulated, and hence they may not feel isolated.
Animal Pet Mental Health Intake Emerges
This pandemic has also increased awareness regarding the mental health of pets. Just like humans, animals too face emotions and their psychological health is a requirement. A deeper sense of attention to mental health during COVID opened up more into the welfare issues of pets. Owners are now more concerned about the emotions and behavior of their pet and search for sources that will keep their little furry friends happy and healthy.
Veterinarians and animal behaviorists have made an effort to provide insights to pet owners regarding the behavioral changes in their pets. They are now training, positively reinforcing, and applying other forms of enrichment activities to persuade pets to face their new realities.
Life for Pets in Pandemic
The pandemic taught many pet owners the value of companionship, even nurturing and looking after a pet over and above its basic needs. It is within this context that we come to a world post-lockdown, wherein the approach towards pet wellness is increasingly observed. Owners are looking for how they can improve the lives of their pets through activity, training, and socialization opportunities.
New trends, pet-friendly cafes, social media communities, and dog parks come alive. Most pet owners also seek holistic approaches to pet care through organic foods and supplements, as well as other alternative therapies such as acupuncture or massage for overall wellness.
A New Chapter for Our Furry Friends
As we enter this post-lockdown era, well and truly, the priority order is to think about our pets; after all, they too have got to settle into a new norm of life. So, the third year also was one of trying pandemics, but it did remind us that our pets are crucial in our lives. Ensuring that their mental and emotional well-being leads to thrivers-long-after-the-pandemic pets and happiness shoots through us.
In a post-pandemic world, the journey that comes with owning pets is rich and complicated. Patience, understanding, and love would then be enough to create a harmonious setting where both the pets and their owners can thrive together.
