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PHOENIX – With the restart of the economy and companies opening their doors, more people will return to work.
For many pet owners who have been forced to stay home during this pandemic, they have spent precious time with their furry four-legged family member.
“Chances are, you’ve broken all the routines you’ve had with your pet in the past few months. You need to reinstall that,” said Michael Morefield of the Arizona Animal Welfare League.
With the state’s order to stay home nearing completion, officials with the Arizona Animal Welfare League say it is important to prepare your dog or cat for his absence when he returns to work.
Authorities say pet owners should establish a routine as soon as possible, even before returning to work.
Authorities also say pet owners should start spending time alone by boxing them in or leaving the house for short periods.
“Maybe you’ve been feeding them at different times of the day. Maybe you’ve been taking walks or extra playtime throughout the day and really going back to that as you used to have. It’s a good way to prepare them for success.” Morefield said.
AAWL officials say it is important to avoid returning to work for an eight-hour period, because it can be extremely difficult for your pet, which is used to keeping it at home.
“Cold turkey is the worst way you could integrate your normal behavior back into your life,” Morefield said. “That will cause problems that could cause destructive behavior and emotional strain on your pet, and affect your relationship with your pet that has passed through its years of development.”
AAWL experts say that if those misbehaviors appear, use positive reinforcement simply by working on that routine. They recommend puzzle toys and toys that can keep them concerned about mental stimulation while you’re away.
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COVID-19 symptoms
Symptoms of the COVID-19 coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu.
Expect a common cold to start with a sore or itchy throat, cough, runny nose and / or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly and may include a high fever.
COVID-19 symptoms may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, dry cough, and noticeable difficulty breathing, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, or heart conditions.
RELATED: Is it the flu, a cold, or COVID-19? Different viruses have similar symptoms
Right now there is a big difference between the flu and the coronavirus: there is a vaccine to help prevent the flu and it is not too late to get it. It will not protect you from contracting the coronavirus, but it can put you in a better position to fight it.
To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often keep them away from your face and avoid crowds and stay close to people.
And if you find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms, don’t go directly to your doctor’s office. That only risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead and ask if and where you need to be seen.
Why social distancing can save lives amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Social distancing is not just about preventing the disease itself, but about slowing down the rate at which people get sick.
To protect yourself from possible infection, the CDC recommends:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a disposable tissue, then throw it away.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with a household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Additional resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19): how it spreads, symptoms, prevention, treatment, frequently asked questions
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
https://espanol.cdc.gov/enes/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html (in Spanish / in Spanish)
Arizona COVID-19 response: public resources, faq, webinars
https://www.azdhs.gov/coronavirus
https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/es/covid-19/index.php#novel-coronavirus-home (in Spanish / in Spanish)
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