Are You A Pet Parent? What Can You Do During Corona Virus Quarantine?
Meghna 'Phoenix' Ghatak
We
all have been reading daily that COVID-19 is a pneumonia-like epidemic disease
spread by a virus with its epicenter in Wuhan, China. While it's unfortunate
that people from China or with the appearance of China are at the wrong end of
the bullying, multiple pets have been abandoned sadly for rumor has it that
they can transmit the virus.
Numerous
companies have provided the option of work from home to their employees but
while education institutions, entertainment shops etc have closed, most people
in India do not understand that India has entered phase 2 and might soon enter
phase 3 of the COVID-19 epidemic.
It's
satisfactory to hear that people who are working in smaller private sector
firms and institutes have also been finally allowed to practice social
distancing. Now, if you are a pet parent, what can you do during this
quarantine time with your pets?
1. Make videos and
velfies with them. - It’s
extremely fashionable these days to shoot TikTok and Musically with them. So
follow the trend and be social media ready with the latest selfies by pampering
them with treats.
2. Do not go out
for their potty breaks - While they
can't catch the virus, they might still carry them in their fur or stool that
might infect others and in turn - you. Dogs have a habit of sniffing dirty
places or strays and this has to be avoided during walks. It's easy for duplex dwellers
but may be difficult for apartment dwellers, so teach you pets to use the
bathroom during this emergency.
3. Take
disinfection baths - Take relaxing
long baths with disinfectants such as dettol to boost your immunity and also
clean/trim the fur and nails of your pooches. Use pet shampoo to clean even
your apartment confined cats and birds. Wash your fish tank and try out a new
decoration for them to swim around.
4. Teach them new
tricks - It's time consuming
to teach pets tricks but they are intelligent creatures who thrive in
attention. Watch the numerous tutorial videos floating around on the web and
keep a bag of treats ready. Then record them and share them with your friends.
5. Do not switch on
the AC/Cooler – Yes, we are asking
you to not just reduce the carbon footprint but to keep COVID-19 at bay this
fortnight. The virus gets active in cold temperatures, so ditch the AC to avoid
activating any latent virus present around as it can survive for a day without
a host. Soak up on some sun instead to boost your immunity while sipping some
lemonade.
6. Netflix and Chill
– While you are practicing social
distancing, catch up on your favorite shows and binge watch more on Amazon,
YouTube, Hotstar and the like on your mobile or laptop or television. Don’t
forget to give belly rubs and ear scratches as you immerse yourself in the
digital fun.
7. Exercise with
them - Pets get irritated
during inactivity so don't just lounge around with them. Since you can't shred
it in the gym, do some light cardio by picking them up or just chase them around
in the house.
8. Balcony bark
party - If your dog or cat
considers you family, they would love it if you sit with them in your balcony
or window so that they can supervise the world around them. Let them stare at
the world and bark while you participate in tomorrow's Janta curfew to show
your appreciation of the precautionary work done by the government.
Quarantine
has been a successful precaution during every epidemic since the great plague
in Italy from where the word had originated in the early 14th century. Let's
honor the sacrifice of the corona virus whistleblower Dr Li Wenliang and avoid
traveling in crowded spaces. Let’s learn from Italy's sad trail of deaths and
protect ourselves. Let our pets beat the stress of the quarantine and with them
let's beat the virus.
Wow Meghna Phoenix... Article is nice .. Thankyou Himanshu for sharing it
ReplyDeleteArey daarun .... Its a great suggestion.... You actually managed to teach me something.
ReplyDeleteNice 😊👍
ReplyDeleteA very thoughtful post considering the current situation! :)
ReplyDelete