VETS SEE 50 PER CENT SPIKE IN PET INJURIES BECAUSE PET OWNERS ARE WALKING THEM MORE DURING PANDEMIC

Australian’s pets – particularly dogs – are visiting the vet twice as much during the COVID-19 pandemic as they were before.

Veterinarians are seeing an increase in musculoskeletal injuries such as torn cruciate ligaments in dogs, consistent with over-exercising.

Dr Sam Jones from My Local Vet in Alexandra Hills in Brisbane’s southeast said it appeared business had increased significantly at veterinary practices around the country.

“There has been a 50 per cent increase in patients at veterinary practices across Australia,” Dr Jones said.

“Personally, I have my own theory: people have been working from home and they have more time with their pet, so they’re probably more inclined to exercise and be outdoors because there is a bit more flexibility.

“And when restrictions were strongly enforced (in Queensland) people potentially had more disposable income, so they were more inclined to get their pets checked out.”

But he warned there was a danger of owners spending more time with their pets, with an increase in injuries relating to extra exercising.

“Now that restrictions are easing people are out and about more exercising with their pets,” Dr Jones said.

“But we are seeing an increase in the number of musculoskeletal injuries from exercise and an increase in dogs with trauma to their nails and paw pads.”

He suggested another reason for the uptake in vet presentations could be that more people had bought or adopted a “fur baby” in the last few months.

“We saw a huge demand for rescue pets and people going out and buying more pets (during the pandemic) because people felt they could have one and give them the time they deserve while they were working from home,” he said.

While exercise is important for pets, Dr Jones warned owners to be wary of the side effects of potential over-exercising.

“We know you can kill a dog if you exercise it too much on a hot day, but heat comes with the territory,” he said.

“The other thing is if you’re going to increase your level of activity, it’s like in humans you are going to need to factor in physio because of injuries, the same needs to be done with dogs.

“Dogs don’t really think about whether or not they should continue to jump around if they have horrendous injuries, they’re just living their best lives … dogs will push through pain and not show it.

“We rely on owners being aware of changes in behaviour, and if you are exercising your pet more, they will need more regular checks.”

So how much exercise should your dog be getting a day?

“If you can exercise your dog 20-30 minutes twice a day that will provide a level of exercise to encourage fitness,” Dr Jones said.

“Just as importantly, that provides stimulation they need to enrich their lives, which is so important.”

For those considering bringing a new pet into their family home, Dr Jones urges two “major things” be considered.

“You need to be aware of what is your necessary commitment to this pet to provide a good quality of life,” he said.

“You also need to consider what is your financial commitment to make sure this pet has adequate medical care.”