Caring for Furry Pals During a Lockdown, Part 2 of 2

"Today, Nala and I will cover more lockdown-related issues human caregivers need to be aware of concerning their beloved animal pals. I believe we also need some mental stimulation during these tough times. I think music is another good way to calm everyone down. While listening to these wonderful compositions, I am pacified and feel so relaxed. It just occurred to me that if an animal gets sick, how can the human parents help them get better?" "It’s really a challenge when furry kids fall ill during a lockdown. They should call their vet first and explain the symptoms to receive guidance on how to help. Never administer care without consulting with a veterinarian for advice as it may worsen the situation. It’s also advisable to keep a first aid kit on hand to ensure they get the help needed for timely treatment." "What if a human caregiver happens to get sick?" "In that case, they should arrange for someone else to care for their furry babies. If it’s not possible, as a precaution, they should not cuddle, pet, kiss, or share food or bedding with their four-legged kids. When lockdowns are lifted, people soon resume their normal workday routines, and their animal companions may have to make more adjustments. After the lockdown ended, I felt so down that I even lost my appetite when Mom returned to work." "That is a kind of separation anxiety. How can you prevent this from happening?" "They can start with short absences from home, gradually leaving their animal pal to spend more time alone. Other techniques include getting them to play with their toys independently or going to bed by themselves. Make sure the transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible so that the alteration isn’t too sudden. Even though lockdown measures are easing in some countries, we still cannot take it lightly. We need to take precautions to reduce our chances of being infected or spreading the virus if we want to protect our families."