UPDATE: Please review our updated pet care policies related to COVID-19 here.
By now, you’ve probably heard from numerous businesses and companies regarding the recent Coronavirus pandemic… including Pet Waggin’, if you’re one of our clients! But rather than contribute to the growing fear and panic around COVID-19, we want to use this as an opportunity to share what we know, especially when it comes to protecting yourselves and your pets—physically and emotionally.
Having discussions about a global pandemic doesn’t have to come from a place of negativity. What you don’t hear enough about is the good news: as it stands, 80% of people who are infected with COVID-19 actually recover within 2 weeks without any treatment. Despite the vast reportage of how many people have been infected, 60,000 people have already recovered. And every one of our pet specialists remains healthy and ready to take action! Safety and hygiene have always been our top priorities when entering your homes or handling your pets.
In today’s blog post, we’ll be talking about the new services we’re offering to help out as our communities continue to practice social distancing, ways you stay informed and manage stress, and the talk we had with Dr. Julia of Bixby Animal Clinic about keeping your pets safe.
New Services
Have you heard about our new Pet Taxi & Supply Runs services? We’re happy to now offer pick-ups and drop-offs for any grooming or vet appointments your pet has to attend. We’re also offering pick up and drop off services to help you stock up on pet supplies at local pet stores or pick up the medications your pet needs.
We are especially excited about it because it helps limit your exposure to public spaces. You can maintain social distancing recommendations without the pressure of keeping up with your pets' daily needs. Whether it's transportation to the vet or groomer or whether you need a pet supply run to restock your dog food, we've got you covered!
Information Regarding Coronavirus and Your Pets (PLUS, An Exlusive Interview With A Long Beach Veterinarian!)
We know there have been a lot of concerns about pets during this time: can pets get infected by the virus? Can pets transmit the Coronavirus? How can you care for your pet if you or a loved one at home are exposed to Covid-19?
To get the answers, Pet Waggin’ owner and pack leader Mary Ellen got a chance to interview Dr. Julia over at Bixby Animal Clinic (thanks so much, Dr. Julia!), where we asked her things like...
If pets can get COVID-19
How to ‘disinfect’ our pets
If you can keep using your regular dog walking service, and more!
Watch the full interview below:
Taking Care of Your Emotional and Mental Well-Being
Staying inside during a global pandemic may help keep you physically safe, but how are you taking care of your emotional and mental wellbeing? It’s not just about getting bored or blue from the lack of socialization, but we know that these times are particularly stressful and anxiety-making. Every day, there seems to be more news causing panic and fear.
Limiting social interactions and outings doesn’t mean not leaving the house. Just like your pets, you need fresh air, too! It’s important to remember that the Coronavirus isn’t airborne. If you can stay away from people, taking walks will be great for you! Sunshine and fresh air are just as important for immunity, too.
If you aren’t already familiar with practicing meditation, now is a great time to do so! Give it a try—if nothing else, it will be a great way to take up the time at home. Meditation has been scientifically proven to help reduce stress, decrease blood pressure, improve sleep habits, and much more. If you’ve never meditated before, starting out can be as simple as finding a comfortable place to sit and closing your eyes for minutes at a time. Don’t worry if your mind wanders… that’s what the mind is supposed to do! The idea behind meditation is that it’s a practice. Meditation helps you foster patience, too!
We love Stress-Relief Meditations: Guided Meditations for Busy People by Dr. Ramdesh on Spotify (a suggestion by one of our very own clients). Give it a try!
Stay Updated
Be mindful of where you’re getting your information from. One stress-relief tip is to reduce your time on social media... Watching other people panic is not always helpful! At Pet Waggin’, we’ve been checking the Long Beach Health & Human Services for updates on CDC and Long Beach regulations and lockdown procedures. One way to beat the Coronavirus? Stay calm, but informed!
Should you or a member of your household become infected with the novel coronavirus, the CDC advises sick owners to seek assistance in caring for their pets and to avoid contact directly with their animals. If you find yourself in this situation, give us a call! We can watch your pets for you in order to limit exposure... even if you've just come down with the common cold. If you have any additional questions about our safety and sanitary procedures or any other concerns related to COVID-19, don't hesitate to contact us.
In the meantime, we love you, Long Beach! Stay safe and strong, so that we can beat this together!