Social distancing – the now overused and harrowing two words that we can’t seem to escape. Hop on social media or turn on the news, and you’ll hear these two words before you can even change the channel. Social distancing is the new “He who must not be named”, and it’s a new type of lifestyle everyone in the world is now adjusting to.
So what exactly is social distancing, and why do we have to enforce it? Social distancing doesn’t mean you aren’t allowed to leave your home (although you shouldn’t unless it’s essential) and it doesn’t mean you can’t be around your friends or your family. This recommendation by WHO and the CDC was put into place in order to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus that can easily spread through droplets when someone speaks, coughs, or sneezes, which is why we are encouraging people stay at least 6 feet apart when going out or interacting with one another.
Because coronavirus pathogens can also last on non-porous and commonly used surfaces, there’s a chance we could accidentally get the virus pathogens on our hands, which is why we also encourage social distancing, in order to not hug or shake hands.
But as humans, we need and crave physical comfort and interaction. When we are unable to leave our homes or go about our lives as usual, many of us may begin to have issues with our mental health. Social distancing is an important measure to keep everyone safe and healthy and to prevent the increased spread of the disease, but many of us, especially those who may live alone or have to live alone in order to avoid getting infected, are not getting the human interaction we need.
Social Distancing Doesn’t Apply to Pets
That’s when pets come in. Our beloved and fun-loving furry friends have always been there to accompany us when we’re feeling down, sick, or just want to be around them. And although we can infect others or get sick by being around other humans, the great news is that we can cuddle our pets all we want!
Read on to learn why pets, now more than ever, are keeping us happy and sane during the coronavirus pandemic.
To make sure you’re giving the best possible care to your pet, consider signing up for pet insurance like Bivvy.
Take Your Pet For a Walk
As governments begin enforcing regulations such as “Shelter in Place” and other lockdown rules, we may be wondering what that means. Can we leave our homes? What if I have to go to the grocery store to get some food?
As long as it’s an essential activity, and as long as you are practicing social distancing (keeping 6 feet between you and others and not belonging to a group or crowd of 10 people or more), you can go about and live your life as you need. Humans weren’t made to live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week inside four walls. Just like any animal, we start to feel sick when we aren’t out in nature.
Taking your pet is a great way to break free from quarantine and the lonely feeling of isolation, and it’s also a wonderful way to get some well needed fresh air into your lungs. Get some energy pupping, hook a heavy duty dog leash onto your dog, and take your pet out for a walk during the day! You may realize that many of your neighbors are still going out and taking walks themselves, or working on their lawns, and although you don’t have to stand right next to each other, these brief interactions with your neighbors and friends could be what you need to fill your human interaction meter for the day.
Pets Make Work Life Better
Sometimes the stress of our jobs can take a huge toll on our lives. We come home, tired and exhausted from 8 hours on the job. If we’re lucky, we’re greeted by an enthusiastic, slobbering little fellow who wants to smother your with all of their love.
How Pets Keep Us Positive During Isolation
Now that retail stores and unessential businesses are closing their doors to customers, many of us who are employed are now working from home. Well, now you’ll understand why some companies have “bring your dog to work” policies – working with your furry friend by your side is great!
Therapy Dogs Exist For a Reason
Support dogs exist for a reason, and they are raised as service dogs, psychiatric dogs, and therapy animals, trained to provide emotional support for a range of physical and mental health issues. Animals have the ability to provide emotional comfort for those suffering from mental health issues and PTSD, so it’s no wonder that spending time with an animal that can tell when you are feeling down or distressed can help to alleviate levels of depression.
In Conclusion…
As the saying goes, dogs are a man’s best friend, and they provide a significantly greater role when we can’t see our human friends during isolation. And maybe now we will understand why our little furry friends are so eager to go for a walk after we get home from work at the end of the day – sometimes you just really need a break from being inside the whole day.
