The impact of lockdown causing significant health concerns for pets in Victoria

Pets in Victoria are feeling the effects of lockdown 4.0 with vets at The Lost Dogs’ Home reporting health concerns for their cats and dogs linked to the latest lockdown.

Demand for vet consultations at the Home’s Frank Samways Vet Clinic have jumped significantly in the last month and pet owners are on waiting lists for consultations.

Vet Nicole Godden said pets were increasingly being seen with issues directly related to humans spending more time at home.

Pet health issues that vets were dealing with included:

• About 50 per cent of pets presenting as overweight
• Increase of arthritis secondary to weight gain and increased walks
• Gastrointestinal upsets from diet changes or extra human food treats
• Impact of stress causing urinary tract problems in cats 
• Separation anxiety in dogs

“Cats and dogs respond to stress in very different ways, cats are struggling with the intrusion into their space and time, while dogs are having a hard time getting used to time apart after each lockdown ends. Our changes in routine are impacting our pets and we are seeing the consequences of this more often in the clinic,’’ said Nicole.

“As owners we have to make sure we’re always considering how something might affect our pets. A small treat made for humans might seem like a little thing to us, but it can be a huge number of calories for our small pets or even cause them to become quite sick.

“Also with exercise options restricted we may think we are doing our pets a favour by the added exercise it may be receiving through its walks but some dogs this isn’t appropriate as they are prone to arthritis because of old age or other pre-existing issues.”

Vets at Frank Samways Vet Clinic are recommending easing your pet out of lifestyle changes once restrictions come to an end in Victoria.

“It’s important to consider the needs of your pets, and the way the changes that come with lockdowns affect them. Planning ahead and seeking vet attention to help manage conditions like arthritis and obesity, will reduce the risk of them needing vet attention at short notice or for an emergency,’’ said Nicole.

Ends