How do pets deal with loneliness during the pandemic?

It is no secret that pets are reliable "friends" in times of trouble. In fact, pets such as dogs and cats are said to be able to help their owners cope with loneliness during quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Is that right?

Pets help deal with loneliness during a pandemic

The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has now caused more than two million cases worldwide and hundreds of people have died.

Governments in various countries, including Indonesia, responded to the pandemic by calling on people to undergo quarantine at home and physical distancing. Both are considered to have a major impact on suppressing the spread of the virus.

Home quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused mental problems for the public. Even before this respiratory disease spread, many people were experiencing bad mental problems, especially the level of loneliness which was quite concerning.

Fortunately, experts reveal that pets can help cope with lonely people while undergoing isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The reason is, having a pet like a dog has a stress-reducing effect on people who are going through difficult times. Not only mental health, physical health has also improved. Starting from a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and the hormone cortisol.

The effect may appear similar when a person has the support of close friends and relatives. This is certainly very helpful for someone through the problems they are experiencing.

Therefore, pets, especially dogs, can provide the same social support, which is to stay near you both when you are happy and sad.

How animals cope with loneliness during pandemic isolation

Animals like dogs and cats are used to going through a routine, especially calling out to their owners when it's time to eat. Pets will demand that you stick to the routine even if it's just for them.

It seems annoying, but it turns out that it allows you to control your emotions and spend time more effectively. Finally, you may feel less stressed about being able to do something besides working at home.

For example, a writer feels that he has no idea what to do with his work. Either feel lonely because you can't meet other people or other things.

However, their pets can make them feel less bored by spending time with them. Starting from resting, playing, to laughing together is considered good for one's productivity. As a result, you may also feel more motivated.

According to Evan MacLean, assistant professor of anthropology and director of Arizona Canine Cognition to Futurity, pets can also relieve stress for their owners. Keeping quiet and feeling anxious about the news of COVID-19 won't help your health, right?

By focusing more on returning mental health energy to something positive is good for reducing stress. For example, taking a dog or cat together can help you get rid of loneliness and possibly make your mind feel more relieved.

That's how animals work to overcome and ward off the loneliness experienced by most people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Taking care of pets during the COVID-19 pandemic

Pets like dogs and cats can indeed help you cope with loneliness during isolation during a pandemic. However, there are things that need to be considered regarding caring for pets during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reason is, recently there have been several cases that show animals can be infected with COVID-19 through humans.

Although there is no research that proves that transmission of the virus can occur between pets and humans, there is nothing wrong with being careful. You still have to make various efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as washing your hands regularly and using a mask when traveling.

This habit certainly needs to be applied, both before and after making contact with your pet. If you experience symptoms similar to COVID-19 and are afraid of passing it on to your pet, immediately look for options for veterinary care, such as:

• ask family, friends or neighbors for help with your pet
• start preparing food supplies and pet litter containers
• still undergo preventive measures by maintaining personal hygiene and health
• making sure the animals are well cared for
• clean eating and drinking places, blankets, and animal toys on a regular basis

If the condition is reversed, when you feel the pet is not in a fit condition, immediately call the vet and tell the nearest clinic that you will come. This is because each veterinary clinic may have different rules.

However, it is important to remember that pet owners need to be aware of whether your animal has had contact with a patient with suspected or positive COVID-19.

The benefits of owning a pet, especially during quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic, are being able to ward off loneliness and manage stress. However, don't forget to stay clean and healthy, both for yourself and for your animals.