Lockdown life for our pets

One thing lockdown has given us is unexpected quality time at home with our pets.

As many of us prepare to return to work, Danielle Greenberg, owner of The Liverpool Vets, an award-winning independent city centre based clinic, discusses the big changes facing our cherished companions.

The Liverpool Vets’ Danielle Greenberg

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DOGS

Dogs are really sociable animals so lockdown was a huge bonus, with lots of warm weather and the only ticket in town to get out.

The parks were full to the brim and we saw a huge rise in the number of people deciding that they would take the opportunity of being at home to get that puppy they had always dreamed of.

The lockdown related vet visits we have seen have been to do with things like raiding chocolate supplies, infestations of worms and unusually even ticks, weight gain, and injuries picked up whilst charging around on all those extra walks.

CATS

On the other hand, many cats have found the sudden change of lifestyle more of a challenge as they usually quite like their routine and some alone time.

Initially we did see some cats with stress related issues such as a type of cystitis or over grooming, but with time, almost all have become used to having their humans at home all day, every day.

Sleeping on owners’ laps whilst they work from home, learning to enjoy all that extra attention and sharing ‘their’ home with their humans 24/7.

HOW TO SMOOTH THE TRANSITION OF GOING BACK TO WORK

I’m sure there are mixed feelings for many about going back to work, but one thing’s for sure, it’s going to mean a big readjustment for our pets. Here are some tips on how to smooth out that transition:

• Start preparing now: Easing pets into spending less time with you now can help them when you go back to your normal life.
• Time away: Start reminding pets what it’s like to be left alone for parts of the day. Leave them for 30 minutes and up to an hour initially to help desensitise them to your absence. Gradually increase this time as they adjust back towards what’s normal when you’re at work.
• Slowly rebuild your work routine: Have a set schedule of feeding, exercise and play time that will be used once you go back to work.
• Encourage alone time: Independent activities such as a new toy, puzzle feeder, hidden treats to find and new places to sleep such as a cat tree or a new dog bed in a favourite spot. Try not to stroke or play with your pet every time they ask for your attention to accustom them to life without you being available all day.
• Enhance calm: Try a pheromone plug-in such as Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs (available online and in pet shops). Many pets enjoy music, try reggae for dogs and classical for cats. There are even specific albums available such as Music for Cats by David Teie (available to stream on Spotify and as a CD from Amazon).
• Exit management: Try to just leave and just return without making too much fuss so your pet doesn’t get over excited or stressed.
• Make time for exercise and for play: Your pets have grown used to more quality time with you. Try to build this into your new work routine. Organise those socially distanced dog walks with friends and other dog owners to look forward to, go to the beach or build an agility course at home. Put up some extra shelves for your cat to climb, buy a puzzle feeder, or use a laser pen to find treats you’ve hidden around the house.

Having a pet is known to promote positive mental health and well-being. During these challenging times, having the companionship and responsibility of looking after a pet, has been proven to have had a huge impact in helping people navigate the uncertainties and fears associated with the pandemic. Now it’s time for us all to help our pets to transition to the new normal as smoothly as we can.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

If your working pattern has changed or you need to go back quickly, we are fortunate in Liverpool to have some fantastic pet sitters, walkers and daycare centres we can personally recommend.

Cats

The Cat Sit Company – 07702 633167; @the_cat_sit_company
DockSide Pets (Based on the Wirral) – Shona @docksidepets_
ComfyCats@home – Call Lisa on 07725 645128; petsittingliverpool.co.uk

Dogs

Tails in the City (Day care in the city centre) – Call Julia on 0151 709 0122; @tailsinthecityliverpool
Diamond Doggy Daycare – Call Nikki on 07754 043570; @diamonddoggycare
Leader of the Pack – Call Michele on 07773 147772; @leaderofthepackliverpool

ADVICE CALL SERVICE

In response to the Coronavirus outbreak, we are proud to announce our own independent telephone advice service.

For £16.50 you can speak to a vet or vet nurse in our team, who have many years experience and know our area. Call us on 0151 709 9777 to book in.

The Liverpool Vets has remained open throughout lockdown providing an essential service to our city’s pets.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported us, and continue to support us as we work to maintain our highest standards of care in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic.

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