During these unusual quarantine days, you’re likely spending more hours with your furry friends than ever before. Yep — you, Sparky and Tigger are weathering this together!
That’s comforting, since our animal companions are fantastic stress relievers. Research after research indicates pets help ward off loneliness and depression. They simply boost our mood. They’re like tiny four-legged mood enhancers.
As a pet parent, it’s your responsibility to do your part. What can you do to make lockdown life a bit nicer for Toby or Simba? They might be due for a quarantine trim. Or extra treats, because who isn’t snacking more these days? And if you’re working remotely, new playthings can keep them occupied during your calls.
If you’d rather not enter a pet store to restock supplies, that’s easy to avoid. The nationwide retailer Petco offers curbside pickup on select items at its 1,500+ locations, and you can have your purchases within an hour or two of ordering. Plus, you’ll receive a 10% savings.
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There’s no reason the coronavirus should interfere with caring for Rocco and Daisy. You can obtain everything you need without leaving your car.
Visit Petco.com, choose your products and pick “I’ll Pick it Up” (when the option is available). Place your order online and a 10% curbside pickup discount will be applied automatically.
Once your order is ready in one to two hours, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Park outside the store and call the phone number shown on your digital receipt. (That same number will also be clearly posted outside the store.)
An employee will bring out the items you purchased. They can set your bag in any car window you indicate — or place it in your trunk. Easy and hands-free.
Here are four things your pet might appreciate:
1. Fresh and Frozen Food
Does your companion eat Freshpet, JustFoodForDogs or Instinct? Supporters say these fresh options retain nutrients and can promote better health than canned or kibble.
These selections are now offered for curbside pickup at Petco, and they can be harder to locate at other retailers that provide similar services.
2. Home Grooming Supplies
There’s a reason the search term “Why is grooming essential for pets?” surged by 1,650% in a single week on Google Trends. Many pet owners are doing grooming at home these days.
Some grooming tips for dogs:
- Buy a quality brush, and groom your dog thoroughly at least once a week.
- Use a dog-specific shampoo and bathe no more than once a month. Overbathing can remove your dog’s coat of its natural oils.
- Get a reliable pair of dog nail clippers. When trimming nails, take care to avoid the “quick,” the blood vessel that runs into each nail.
3. Toys!
Now that you’re home more, your pets may expect continuous attention. You’re happy to oblige — up until an important meeting starts.
To keep them entertained, pick up a few boredom-curbing toys. There’s a broad assortment available for curbside pickup, including chews, cuddly toys, plushies — more options than you’ll know what to do with.
4. Calming Products
These items help pets struggling with changes in routine or when their people return to work. Separation anxiety is real. Pets thrive on routine, after all.
There are many calming aids available — drops, sprays, hemp oil, soft chews, and more. Also consider snug anxiety vests designed to soothe dogs who fear thunder, fireworks, vet visits, travel and separation.
Whatever you — or Pumpkin or Rascal — require, you can pick it up from Petco within a couple hours. Just order online, and remember to claim that discount.
Alex Porter is a senior writer at Savinly. His dog Stella is NOT a fan of thunderstorms.
