(AKA: How My Dog Became My Quarantine Therapist)
Let’s be honest—our pets handled quarantine way better than we did.
While we were stress-scrolling the news and debating whether changing from “day pajamas” to “night pajamas” counted as productivity, our dogs were THRIVING. Unlimited belly rubs? Extra walks? Their humans home 24/7? Best. Year. Ever.
My Labrador, Max, basically turned into my personal emotional support sponge—absorbing all my stress while dramatically flopping onto my lap. My cat, Luna? She spent the entire time judging me for existing in her space too much.
So, how do we keep our pets happy and healthy as life keeps shifting? Here’s what worked for us—tail wags and dramatic cat side-eyes included.
1. Stick to a Routine (Because Pets Love Predictability)
Dogs and cats love structure. The moment their routine gets thrown off? Chaos.
🐾 What to Do:
✔ Feed at the Same Time: No one likes a hangry pet.
✔ Scheduled Walks & Playtime: Regular exercise = fewer zoomies at 3 AM.
✔ Dedicated Nap Time: Because we all deserve mid-day naps.
🚨 Reality Check:
- When I slept in one morning, Max stood over me like a disappointed parent. Breakfast was LATE, and he was personally offended.
- Lesson? Feed first, snooze later.
2. Keep Their Brains Busy (Because Bored Pets = Trouble)
When the world slowed down, our pets got creative—and not always in a good way. (Looking at you, Luna, for knocking every single plant off the windowsill).
🐾 Ways to Prevent Pet Boredom:
✔ Puzzle Feeders & Treat Games – Make them work for snacks (burns energy & keeps them engaged).
✔ New Tricks & Training – If my dog can learn “spin” at age 7, yours can too.
✔ Scent Hunts – Hide treats around the house and let them “hunt” for them.
🚨 Reality Check:
- Max got so good at puzzle feeders that he tried to “unlock” the fridge. I have regrets.
- Luna? She just stared at me judgmentally while I entertained the dog.
3. Get That Energy Out (AKA: Tired Pets = Happy Humans)
No yard? No problem. We got creative when walks were limited.
🐾 Indoor Exercise Hacks:
✔ DIY Obstacle Course: Couch jumps, hallway sprints, stair climbs—full doggy workout.
✔ Laser Pointer & Feather Wand (for Cats): Endless entertainment.
✔ Tug-of-War & Fetch (Inside Edition): Just move the breakables first.
🚨 Reality Check:
- Max mistook my yoga mat for a wrestling ring. Downward Dog? More like downward chaos.
- Luna’s “exercise” was judging from the bookshelf.
4. Hygiene & Cleanliness (Because Pet Smells are Real)
COVID didn’t stop us from keeping things fresh and clean.
🐾 Sanitation 101:
✔ Hand Washing Before & After Handling Pets (Common sense, but we love reminders.)
✔ Wipe Paws After Walks – Keeps germs (and mud) out of the house.
✔ Clean Toys & Bowls Regularly – Because ew.
🚨 Reality Check:
- Max licked my face mid-pandemic. I nearly bathed in sanitizer.
- Luna licked herself judgmentally after watching me freak out.
5. Vet Care & Health Checkups (Because Prevention = Less Stress)
Vets were still open, but we got smart about visits.
🐾 Keeping Your Pet Healthy:
✔ Keep Up with Vaccinations & Checkups (Even if it means a vet telecall.)
✔ Stock Up on Essentials (Food, meds, flea/tick prevention—just in case.)
✔ Emergency Plan (Who can care for your pet if you get sick?)
🚨 Reality Check:
- Max LOVES the vet. Luna, however? Filed a formal complaint.
6. Social Distancing for Pets (Because Not Every Dog Wants to be Besties)
Not every pet understood “personal space.”
🐾 Social Guidelines for Pets:
✔ Avoid Crowded Walks – Find quieter routes.
✔ Limit Strangers Petting Your Dog (“Oh, he’s friendly!” Yes, but YOU’RE NOT! 😅)
✔ Safe Playdates Only – Trust your pet’s comfort level.
🚨 Reality Check:
- Max thought social distancing meant “more space to zoom.”
- Luna never socialized pre-pandemic. Nothing changed.
7. Watch for Behavioral Changes (Because Pets Absorb Our Stress)
🐾 Signs of Stress in Pets:
❌ Dogs: Clinginess, chewing, barking, changes in eating.
❌ Cats: Hiding, overgrooming, refusing to use the litter box (oh joy!).
🐾 How to Help:
✔ More Snuggles (or Space, Depending on the Pet)
✔ Calming Music or White Noise (For pets & humans alike!)
✔ Stick to a Routine to Reassure Them
🚨 Reality Check:
- Max became my emotional support dog… even when I didn’t need him.
- Luna? Zero stress. The pandemic didn’t shake her throne.
8. Preparing for the “New Normal” (Because Change is Hard—For All of Us)
🐾 Ease Them Into Alone Time Again:
✔ Start leaving the house in small increments (so they don’t freak out when you’re gone).
✔ Give long-lasting chews or puzzle toys to keep them busy.
✔ Maintain a consistent schedule even when things return to “normal.”
🚨 Reality Check:
- Max is not emotionally ready for me to have a life again.
- Luna? Doesn’t care. She’s THRILLED.
Final Thoughts: Pets Got Us Through This—Let’s Return the Favor
🐾 The Real MVPs of the Pandemic? Our Pets.
They gave us comfort, entertainment, and unconditional love when we needed it most. Now it’s our turn to make sure they stay happy, healthy, and stress-free as we adjust to new routines.💬 How did your pet handle quarantine? Any funny moments or weird habits? Drop them in the comments—I need to know I’m not the only one whose pet became their shadow! 🐶🐱