Animals can be our best friends and our greatest comfort and companions. Many animal lovers view their pets as family members, often preferring them over blood related family. While COVID-19 lingers, many continue practicing social distancing by remaining at home, in near total isolation. As we grapple with transitioning to our “new normal”, we are experiencing greater bouts of anxiety and stress.
Fortunately, anyone with furry friends can receive the benefits of increased comfort. Conversely your fur babies also need to be comforted.
According to Genevieve Rajewski from Tufts Now, pets are able to give individuals positive emotional support that is non-judgmental. While pets are able to provide comfort in stressful situations, their protection and comfort require replenishment in return.
The CDC Newsroom reports that two cats in the state of New York have been reported as developing COVID-19. The cause of their symptoms is unknown, but both felines are expected to make a full recovery. Additionally, the USDA website reports that a tiger at a zoo in New York City has also tested positive for COVID-19.
Some precautions we can implement to help protect our beloved pets from contracting COVID-19 from people and other animals are:
- Keep cats indoors
- Walk dogs while maintaining a six-foot perimeter
- Limit pet interacts and play dates with people and animals outside of the household
Animals may develop stress and anxiety producing symptoms in the aftermath of the pandemic. According to Mia Rozenbaum from Animal Research, pets may mirror the stress and anxiety their owners feel and exhibit. Moreover, Ben Cost from Fox News added, animals may experience separation anxiety from their owners upon their return to work. As restrictions are loosened it is important we are mindful not only of our own needs, but those of our faithful companions.
Owners may need to be cognizant of transferring their stress and then leaving the home since pets are transitioning to back-to-work routines as well.
Animals have the capability of being tremendous sources of comfort. Let us not forget their emotional and protective needs as we find our way in this “new normal” existence!
References:
https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/dogs-extreme-separation-anxiety-after-quarantine-experts-say
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/s0422-covid-19-cats-NYC.html
https://now.tufts.edu/articles/how-animals-help-us-during-covid-19-pandemic