During the pandemic, a major concern became the fear that owning a dog might increase the risk of virus transmission. According to WHO, the SARS-CoV-2 virus does not attack or multiply in a dog's body. Of course, dogs can suffer from diseases caused by coronaviruses, but these have nothing to do with the one currently making headlines. Therefore, owning a dog does not pose a risk of infection to us. But is that all? It’s worth thinking more broadly about how four-legged friends function during the pandemic.
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that dogs, regardless of the situation in the world, always have their needs. They still need to eat, drink, play, and go for walks.
Taking care of your dog – without risking infection
If you’re worried about leaving the house to buy food, a good solution is to place an order online. Online stores often have a wider selection of food than physical stores, and the option of home delivery reduces the risk associated with having to visit a store.
Walks and playtime with your dog are equally important. Instead of giving them up, you can adjust your routine to the current situation. Choose a time for walks when other dog owners usually don’t take their pets out. Try to find less crowded places as well. Use your own toys for play, and if your dog also plays indoors, you can shorten the time spent playing outside. Try to avoid contact with other dogs and their owners.
Behavioral problems during the pandemic
Due to the pandemic, many people spend more time at home. Remote work and giving up entertainment outside the home mean that the time a dog spends in the presence of a person is extended. This can be confusing for the dog and even cause behavioral problems. Constantly being with a person can lead to the development of separation anxiety in the dog. This is a very serious problem. It manifests as the dog being unable to stay alone in a room, constantly following the owner, and during their absence, it may vocalize excessively and destroy objects. To prevent this, it’s worth giving the dog some freedom.
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You can go for a walk.
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One method is also training the dog to signal when it’s time to rest. You can then leave it in one room and go to another place in the house.
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It’s also worth considering introducing a kennel crate, but not all dogs will be willing to use it.
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For the dog’s comfort, do not give up the established routine; it’s worth keeping regular feeding, play, and walk times.
Quarantine and walking your dog
If you cannot avoid infection and find yourself in quarantine, it’s important to take proper care of your dog. Being with you may be harmful to it. You won’t be able to take it for walks, and your lowered immunity increases the risk of contracting zoonotic diseases that the dog may carry (even if it shows no symptoms).
You can ask a family member, a trusted friend, or hire a petsitter who will be ready to take the dog to their home. Remember to inform the person you choose to help that you are in quarantine and to hand over the dog safely. If you cannot afford a petsitter and no friends can help, look for volunteers in your area who assist with walking dogs of people in quarantine. Do not risk going for walks alone! You endanger others and may be penalized for not following quarantine rules.
A wise owner before trouble?
Even if you are not in quarantine, you can find out in advance if someone around you would be willing to help care for your dog if needed. This will give you peace of mind and reduce worries. You can also prepare by stocking up on food, waste bags, and if your dog takes medication – a larger supply (discuss this with your veterinarian). This way, you will limit frequent visits to stores and clinics, and in case of quarantine, you won’t have to worry about buying these products.
The pandemic period is a difficult time for all of us. It’s worth taking care of comfort – both yours and your dog’s. Do not give up established rituals and try to meet your dog’s needs as much as possible. Let’s remember to prepare properly for unexpected situations so you don’t have to worry about your pet’s fate. By using common sense, you will surely manage to organize your time to get through the pandemic without major problems.
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