Welcome to the Luv My Sitter COVID-19 (Coronavirus) site. Please consider this page as a resource for you and your family. We will also keep this page updated with important notifications to clients and members of the Austin community as circumstances change.
COVID-19 virus has rapidly changed the day-to-day life of members of the Austin community, as well as individuals and families around the globe. Our team has decided to continue to operate in order to support those in our community in this time of crisis and their pets.
Below are important tips from our team around the management and care taking of pets during a pandemic.
Coronavirus and the safeguards we have put in place to combat it have placed us all in an unprecedented situation. With the isolation of social distancing and the impending shelter at home, many of us are beginning to feel the effects of a restrictive lifestyle. Our pets are no different. As humans, we can rationalize and understand the reasons for the abrupt changes in our daily routine, sadly, our pets cannot. Radical changes in a pets’ routine, such as the ones we are experiencing now, may be seen by your pets as exciting and fun at first, but as days inch by and restriction continues and tightens, those feelings quickly turn into confusion and frustration for our pets. The lack of exercise and mental stimulation can quickly turn excitement and joy into boredom and anxiety. Here are a few ways to survive with your pets’ well-being intact:
Keep or hire a dog walker
Dogs are, by nature, curious explorers. The sights, sounds, and smells of the world beyond our house offer a much-needed stimulation and help to prevent destructive, bored, and related behaviors like barking and/or inappropriate chewing. Plus, time outside the home opens up your dog to new experiences which is essential for continued socialization. Dog walks are not the only exercise but walks provide a much-needed structure for your pet. Dog walking services are allowed during shelter at home but precautionary measures must be maintained. Therefore, it is of best practice to choose a dog walker that is not only experienced but has a medical background and understands the importance of hygiene and sanitation. Our specialists are highly trained. We have already established protocols for safety in place, but understand the nuances and how to properly execute them. There may be anxiety about this option, but it is more important to know that due in part to the porous nature of their fur, domestic animals such as dogs and cats have not been reported to be a viable contributor to the spread of Coronavirus. Infectious disease experts in multiple international and domestic human and animal health organizations agree there is no evidence, at this point, indicating that pets become ill with COVID-19 or that they will spread it to other animals or people.
Designate playtime with your pet
Regular games of fetch and even training sessions are great ways to keep your pup in shape. Animals share our social nature. Playtime satisfies their need for interaction in ways far beyond those achieved by laying on the couch being pet. Try to use this playtime with just you and your pet and limit the interactions with other pet parents and their pets.
Keep your pets’ routine
Many pet parents know that pets thrive on routine. Whether it’s waking us up in the morning, staring out of the window when we come home, letting us know it’s dinner time, or holding down their favorite spot in the house- pets have an undeniable routine. Acknowledging and adhering to this routine during this restrictive period is an important step to help reduce stress or anxiety your pet may be experiencing.
Keep a close eye on your pets’ diet
With the whole family at home but parents having to continue to work, it’s easy to lose track of what our pets are eating. Increased table droppings, training treats, and lack of exercise can cause your pet to put on unwanted pounds. Fortunately, there is an easy solution for even the busiest adult. Prepare a container with the pets’ designated allotment of food and treats. The container won’t help with the table droppings but it will eliminate the overfeeding of treats and accidental extra meals. Opting for healthier treat alternatives like apple slices, carrots, and green beans (especially frozen, they will love them!) will not only help to keep the weight of your pet under control but will add vital nutrients to their diet: not to mention, being a lot cheaper than a typical bag of commercial treats.
Do not allow your pet to do their business indoors
Several national news organizations have printed stories instructing pet owners to place newspaper or commercial pee pads down and “cueing your pet do their business in the corner of your room.” Do NOT do this! Not only is this confusing for your dog, but it creates long term consequences that will be difficult to reverse and lead to messes in the house.
Do not depend on the backyard alone
Simply placing your dog in a backyard is not sufficient enough to provide proper exercise. The vast majority of dogs will not engage in self-play when just being placed in the backyard. More often than not, you will find your pet laying in their favorite spot. Many pet owners misinterpret their dogs’ backyard behaviors. Dogs who run the fence line, bark at neighboring dogs or people walking by are not entertaining themselves, they are in fact exhibiting territorial behaviors directly related to boredom, stress, and anxiety. As we know, even the best home fitness center and an endless supply of favorite books and TV shows will get boring after awhile. The same goes for our pets.
Do not keep your dog with you 24/7
For pet lovers, getting to spend countless hours with our pets is a dream come true but we have to remember this situation is temporary. Keeping our dogs by our side all day and night can cause a previously content dog to develop separation anxieties once their owner resumes their normal routine.
COVID-19 and the safeguards we have put in place to combat it have placed us all in an unprecedented situation. With the isolation of social distancing and the impending shelter at home, many of us are beginning to feel the effects of a restrictive lifestyle. Our pets are no different. As humans, we can rationalize and understand the reasons for the abrupt changes in our daily routine, sadly, our pets cannot. Radical changes in a pets’ routine, such as the ones we are experiencing now, may be seen by your pets as exciting and fun at first, but as days inch by and restriction continues and tightens, those feelings quickly turn into confusion and frustration for our pets. The lack of exercise and mental stimulation can quickly turn excitement and joy into boredom and anxiety. Here are a few ways to survive with your pets’ well-being intact:
Keep or hire a dog walker
Dogs are, by nature, curious explorers. The sights, sounds, and smells of the world beyond our house offer a much-needed stimulation and help to prevent destructive, bored, and related behaviors like barking and/or inappropriate chewing. Plus, time outside the home opens up your dog to new experiences which is essential for continued socialization. Dog walks are not the only exercise but walks provide a much-needed structure for your pet. Dog walking services are allowed during shelter at home but precautionary measures must be maintained. Therefore, it is of best practice to choose a dog walker that is not only experienced but has a medical background and understands the importance of hygiene and sanitation. Our specialists are highly trained. We have already established protocols for safety in place, but understand the nuances and how to properly execute them. There may be anxiety about this option, but it is more important to know that due in part to the porous nature of their fur, domestic animals such as dogs and cats have not been reported to be a viable contributor to the spread of COVID-19. Infectious disease experts in multiple international and domestic human and animal health organizations agree there is no evidence, at this point, indicating that pets become ill with COVID-19 or that they will spread it to other animals or people.
Designate playtime with your pet
Regular games of fetch and even training sessions are great ways to keep your pup in shape. Animals share our social nature. Playtime satisfies their need for interaction in ways far beyond those achieved by laying on the couch being pet. Try to use this playtime with just you and your pet and limit the interactions with other pet parents and their pets.
Keep your pets’ routine
Many pet parents know that pets thrive on routine. Whether it’s waking us up in the morning, staring out of the window when we come home, letting us know it’s dinner time, or holding down their favorite spot in the house- pets have an undeniable routine. Acknowledging and adhering to this routine during this restrictive period is an important step to help reduce stress or anxiety your pet may be experiencing.
Keep a close eye on your pets’ diet
With the whole family at home but parents having to continue to work, it’s easy to lose track of what our pets are eating. Increased table droppings, training treats, and lack of exercise can cause your pet to put on unwanted pounds. Fortunately, there is an easy solution for even the busiest adult. Prepare a container with the pets’ designated allotment of food and treats. The container won’t help with the table droppings but it will eliminate the overfeeding of treats and accidental extra meals. Opting for healthier treat alternatives like apple slices, carrots, and green beans (especially frozen, they will love them!) will not only help to keep the weight of your pet under control but will add vital nutrients to their diet: not to mention, being a lot cheaper than a typical bag of commercial treats.
Do not allow your pet to do their business indoors
Several national news organizations have printed stories instructing pet owners to place newspaper or commercial pee pads down and “cueing your pet do their business in the corner of your room.” Do NOT do this! Not only is this confusing for your dog, but it creates long term consequences that will be difficult to reverse and lead to messes in the house.
Do not depend on the backyard alone
Simply placing your dog in a backyard is not sufficient enough to provide proper exercise. The vast majority of dogs will not engage in self-play when just being placed in the backyard. More often than not, you will find your pet laying in their favorite spot. Many pet owners misinterpret their dogs’ backyard behaviors. Dogs who run the fence line, bark at neighboring dogs or people walking by are not entertaining themselves, they are in fact exhibiting territorial behaviors directly related to boredom, stress, and anxiety. As we know, even the best home fitness center and an endless supply of favorite books and TV shows will get boring after awhile. The same goes for our pets.
Do not keep your dog with you 24/7
For pet lovers, getting to spend countless hours with our pets is a dream come true but we have to remember this situation is temporary. Keeping our dogs by our side all day and night can cause a previously content dog to develop separation anxieties once their owner resumes their normal routine.
Pet parents need to consider the big picture during this time of crisis- every action has its consequences. How we react to this situation we are now in will set the course for what is to come. Do not let a temporary situation create long term issues with your pet! Following these simple steps will help maintain and even enlighten your experience as a pet owner and for your pet as well.