Top Pet Care Tips for Pandemic-Proofing Your Furry Home

1. While cats do not have an inherent need to go outside, staying indoors can indeed provide them with a safer environment. However, this does not mean that they are completely free from risks. There's always a possibility that family members could bring viruses home when they return from outside, potentially infecting both themselves and your feline companion. Therefore, it's crucial for pet owners to clean the litter box daily, and to regularly wash the cat's bed and litter pan. Utilizing petsafe disinfectants to sanitize the home environment is also recommended. Additionally, regular deworming and timely vaccinations are essential. And remember, after coming home, pet owners should thoroughly wash their hands before petting their cats.

2. If pet owners are unable to go outside or walk their dogs due to the pandemic, it's a great opportunity to train them to use a pee pad or a litter box for their bathroom needs, which is known as housetraining. Should you need to take your dog for a walk, here are some important considerations: avoid crowded areas, choose less busy times and places for your walks; practice responsible pet ownership by using a leash and always picking up after your dog. After the walk, rinse your dog's paws with running water and dry them, or use a wet wipe. Regularly disinfect your dog's leash, toys, and bed to maintain a clean environment.

As mentioned earlier, environmental disinfection is vital. Here are specific recommendations for disinfectants:

1. Sodium hypochlorite disinfectant: Dilute it at a ratio of 1:100 and wipe down the area with clean water after use. Avoid using it on cat litter boxes as it can produce toxic gases when in contact with urine.

2. Chlorinated acid tablets: Simply dissolve in water for use, offering high safety levels. They are suitable for daily pet environment消毒, but keep them out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

3. Phenolic disinfectant: This is best used for clothing disinfection only. Cats can suffer from poisoning if they come into contact with phenolic disinfectants, so it's not recommended for pet owners to use it in their homes.

4. Potassium persulfate disinfectant powder: Follow the instructions on the label for dilution. It has a slight odor and requires good ventilation during use.

5. Chlorine dioxide effervescent tablets: Dissolve in water for use, offering an economical option. However, the effervescent tablets have a strong odor and can irritate a pet's nasal passages when dissolved.

During the pandemic, it's also wise for pet owners to stock up on pet dry food to prevent running out of supplies while being confined to home. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to consult with an online pet veterinarian.