Pet Care & Self-Isolation

Author: Amy Holloway

As the Coronavirus crisis evolves, the government and supermarkets are asking people to remain calm and not to stockpile food, medication, and loo roll. But what about your pet’s needs now we’re following strict social distancing measures?

Planning is much better than panicking. That doesn’t mean panic buying, that means working out your pet’s realistic needs to cover a potential period of isolation. Rod and the team at Clent Hills Vets have come up with a list of things your pet will need:

  1. Sustenance – measuring out your pet’s daily meals will help you determine how many days’ food you have left and when you will need to order or arrange to collect some more. For vet-recommended diets, talk to our team for advice. Access to fresh drinking water is important too.
  2. Medication – it’s important to keep up with regular flea & worm treatments for optimum parasite protection. Ask our team about your pet’s next treatment and any other regular medications they need.
  3. Exercise & mental stimulation – staying active and playing with your pet is great for keeping both of you mentally stimulated and healthy during isolation. If you’re unable to leave the house, consider asking a friend or neighbour to walk your dog. Alternatively, there are many ways to keep your pets entertained in your home and garden.
  4. Toilet facilities – cats will still require access to clean litter trays and should come and go outdoors as usual. Provide regular toilet breaks for dogs. Rabbits, small furries and reptiles will need their enclosures keeping clean to avoid any unwanted parasite infestations. Are you able to do these things if you’re sick or can anyone help?
  5. Cleaning products – pet shampoo and laundry disinfectant for pet bedding if you need to do a deep clean.
  6. Visiting our surgery – please call us in the first instance and we will try to help you over the phone. We are only allowing emergency appointments currently during to the strict government guidelines currently in place.
  7. Routine – write down your pet’s daily routine and requirements now in case you need to hand your pet over to someone else to care for them.

If you need help or advice planning for your pet’s stay-at-home care, get in touch with our friendly team.