Planning to Adopt a Dog During Quarantine? Here’s What You Need to Know

The coronavirus pandemic has left millions of people held up in their homes with nowhere to go. As such, people have been trying different ways to cope with the lockdown to avoid feeling lonely.

You might be considering adopting a dog during the lockdown to keep you company. While this is a good thing, it is important to keep in mind what owning a pet during this period means for your pet.

To that end, if you didn’t plan to adopt a dog before the lockdown, you should think twice about adopting one now. After all, a dog is not something you take and leave anytime you want. Once you adopt it, it becomes part of your family.

So, what should you consider if you are planning to adopt a dog the coronavirus pandemic? Read on and learn more.

1. Remember the Lockdown Won’t Last Forever

These are abnormal times and people are doing different things to cope with the current situation. Even so, we would discourage you from adopting a dog to cope with the lockdown.  Adopting a dog is something that you should think about carefully.

As much you would want to just focus on the pandemic period, it is important to think about post-pandemic too. When things are back to normal and you’re back on your normal schedules, will you still value your canine friend?

This is something that you should think about and should advise your decision on whether to adopt a dog during this pandemic or not.

2. Your Dog Will Need Healthy Food Too

While this may seem obvious, it is among the most crucial things you need to consider. Your furry will not just need any food but will need healthy food. This is regardless of whether there’s a lockdown or not.

Your primary goal should be to provide your dog with all the nutrition it needs. The best way to know the right food to feed your dog is to look at the ingredients. Ingredients such as meat and fish play a key role in ensuring that your dog has healthy tissues and coat.

Some dog foods, for instance, Merrick grain-free Real Buffalo dry dog food contains fresh produce such as peas, potato, sweet potatoes, apples, etc. that are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals for your furry friend. Merrick dog food contains about 70 percent meat and fish and 30 percent fresh produce, making it an ideal protein source.  

The most important thing is to ensure that you carefully read the food label when choosing a dog food. Also look at the expiry date to ensure that it can take you through the lockdown period.

3. Remember Your Dog Needs to Walk and Exercise

Before you adopt a dog, it is crucial to ask yourself whether you can walk your dog. And this is not just during lockdown but after the lockdown as well.

While you might have plenty of time to walk and exercise your dog now, what will happen when you’re back to work? Remember, dogs are used to routines and so they will expect the same level of commitment even after the lockdown.

As such, ensure to check which dog breed is good for you in regards to lifestyle. This way, you can ensure that your dog won’t get destructive when left at home after the lockdown.

4. What Happens if You Get Infected? Who Will Take Care of your Dog?

We pray that you remain safe and that you’re not infected with the virus. But if it happens (as it has been happening to other people) you need to have someone to take care of your canine friend. Although there’s no evidence that dogs can become sick due to COVID-19, you should isolate yourself from your pet if you exhibit any signs of coronavirus.

5. Consider Your Budget

Adding a new family member comes with costs, and dogs are not exceptional. Apart from food, your dog will require other things such as medical care, beddings, treats, toys, etc.

And since pets are there to stay, it is important to budget for them to ensure that they are well taken care of.  

6. Think Long term

As earlier said, don’t just adopt a dog because you feel lonely during this lockdown period. Otherwise, your canine friend may suffer separation anxiety when things are back to normal. If you adopt your dog during this period, try as much as possible to prepare your pet for the time you won’t be at home all the time.

While this may sound impossible, you can, for instance, leave your dog at home when going out for essential services. This way, they won’t suffer a lot when you start working away from home.

 When you do adopt a pet, Little Friends Pet Sitting and Dog Walking will be a valued resource when you need pet care.  They offer pet sitting when you travel for work or vacations and daily/weekly dog walking if you can’t get home to walk your pup due to work or other commitments.  Contact them at 704.340.8102 or visit them at littlefriendspetsitting.com to find out more about their service options. They offer Two Free Visits for first time clients.