As humans stay indoors due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is not only them who had been struggling with adapting to a new lifestyle, but also their pets.
Many people might be putting on a few extra pounds due to the stress of the coronavirus threat, and pet owners can be tempted to overfeed their animal companions in the process, too.
Veterinarians are urging pet owners to keep their pets on a routine and have a healthy diet.
“One of my concerns is that you might end up overfeeding your pet in these times,” Dr. Chad Dodd, veterinarian in St. Petersburg Florida, told British news agency SWNS. “Some owners have indulged their pets with toys that involve food like puzzle feeders.”
Dodd added that it is not just pet’s weight at risk, but also the animal’s mental health.
“Pets pick up subliminal messages and they are going to pick up on anxiety and stress,” he said. “Anytime when there are changes in our daily routine, it’s going to disrupt our pets.”
“With mom and dad trying to work from home, let’s make sure that the pet doesn’t get overlooked. Pets are going to be adjusting to the ‘new normal’ too,” he added.
You might want to read:
– Here’s why you should build your feline companions a “catio”
– This is what your dogs is telling you if he puts his paw on you
– Caring for senior animals
