Waxhaw, NC – The past few months have been strange, to say the least, but for many pet owners, the extra time at home hasn’t been so bad. Surveys have shown that people with cats, dogs, or other pets have had an easier time adjusting to quarantine for a few reasons. One of them is pets give structure to our lives during a time when it feels like every day blends into the next. A dog needs routine and that is a welcome addition to most right now when their normal schedules have been turned upside down. With a structured routine comes the added benefit of more exercise for many dog owners who have taken the opportunity to walk or run their dogs more with increased time at home. The hours spent driving to and from work or going out to eat are now replaced with longer walks and playtime with the pets. However, maybe the best benefit of all is the companionship that a fur baby can bring to people who may be feeling more isolated and lonely from staying at home away from family, friends, and co-workers.

While all the benefits of extra time at home with our fur babies is a good thing now, we must have a plan in place for when quarantine ends. We recommend that before you return to your “normal” routines you gradually acclimate your fur baby to you not being around 24/7.  In our next article, we will discuss some ways to help with this transition.