Animal Expert Weighs in on
How Pets Are Handling the Pandemic
With so many people suddenly working from home and now sharing
an office space with their beloved furry friends, the routine of the
work week has been tossed out the window. Perhaps pets are getting
more attached to their human, perhaps they demand more attention with an
audience, or perhaps their daytime naps are being disrupted, much to their
annoyance.
Dick Palazzo, president of Purr’n Pooch Pet Resorts in Tinton Falls and
Wall Township, offered his expertise to answer the many questions pet owners
have during this confusing and stressful time.
Palazzo has decades of experience caring for animals. His background is
in veterinary science, and he possesses vast knowledge, having worked as a
trainer, behaviorist and groomer throughout his tenure. He said humans are
not the only ones thrown off by the COVID-19 crisis. Animals’ lives are also
disrupted, and their temperaments may change based on that.
“Just like our children and family, pets do feed off the positive and negative
behavior in our lives,” Palazzo said. “You should remain positive in your
patterns at home. If you change your environment, meaning the way you
speak, the way you eat, play and take daily walks, etc., your pet will follow and
change along with you.”
One significant change for both people and pets is the now-enforced policy
of social distancing. As people are urged to stay home and New Jersey parks
have been closed to the public, exercising outdoors has become increasingly
difficult. In particular, canine companions that are accustomed to visiting dog
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parks, playing with neighbors’ pets or
walking along local trails may struggle
with being stuck indoors most of the
day.
“We have been forced into
quarantine in order to stay safe,”
Palazzo said. “We must follow
these guidelines along with our pets
by doing private play, runs and walks
to keep them and ourselves engaged
in active activities.”
Exercise is one of the most important elements
in maintaining an animal’s well-being.
Likewise, mental stimulation is needed
to keep pets engaged and challenged. While
there are many animal-friendly puzzles and toys on
the market to achieve this goal, Palazzo offers another
simple solution.
“A suggestion would be switching up your daily
pattern with your pet so their daily activity becomes
more interesting, whether it be different walks, games or car
rides,” he said.
At Purr’n Pooch, animals are cared for and played with in
an expansive environment featuring all the toys, treats, friends
and love they could ever desire.
“We at PnP are very fortunate that our facilities are professionally
set up with over 55 indoor/outdoor playgrounds for social and
private play,” Palazzo said. “Our staff are professionally trained and
seasoned to keep our guests stimulated and engaged all day.”
Palazzo said the business, which celebrates its 50th anniversary
this year, has taken precautionary steps to ensure superior cleanliness
in its facilities.
“This virus has had a major impact on Purr’n Pooch and the entire
pet industry, and as with any threat, we need to protect our
fellow humans as well as the companion animals that depend on
us,” he said. “In order to do that, we must hygienically be safe and
work together.”
That means taking extra steps now to protect pets and continuing
to care for them after travel bans and social distancing policies
are lifted.
“I do think pets are grateful to be home, depending on their environment,”
Palazzo said. “They are like children that are mostly happy
to be home with attention and family if the home environment
is a happy one. But just like children that want to go out and play
with their school friends and others that want to get back to working
in social environments, our pets also need this out-and-about social
activity back.”
When the time is right, animals will be grateful to see their
fuzzy friends, to go to the park, to walk nearby trails and to be the
goofy, lovable, energetic beings they’re meant to be.
“Just give them time,” Palazzo said of animals growing impatient
at home. “They need it.”
BY SHANNA O’MARA
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