fbpx

Keep Your Dog Calm Amid Coronavirus Concerns

Bed & Biscuit Pet Inn
Phyllis Bard at Bed & Biscuit Pet Inn; photo by Eduardo Schneider

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted typical ways of life all over the world. And as Phyllis Bard, the co-owner of Bed & Biscuit Pet Inn and Salon, tells it, humans aren’t the only ones who have noticed.

“[Dogs] have anxiety too, like everybody else. That’s what I’m seeing when these dogs come in my door,” she says. “It takes us a while to wear out some of that energy out of these dogs.”

As for the humans, Bed & Biscuit clients have had peace of mind during the pandemic, thanks to accommodations the Coconut Creek business has taken to stay safe. Instead of allowing clients to come in at the entrance, Bard meets the dogs at the curb while wearing gloves and a facemask. The inn’s grooming area is wiped down with Lysol between each dog and the bathing tub is bleached after each bath.

Bard shared more tips with Lifestyle on how to keep pets safe and healthy during this time.

Know the facts: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is little evidence of COVID-19 being spread by pets in the United States. If pets do have the virus, both the CDC and Bard agree that pets that have tested positive do not need to be abandoned. Acting against these facts has resulted in dire consequences for dogs locally.

“My friends [involved in rescuing animals] are telling me a lot of dogs are being abandoned in the shelter because people don’t believe [they can’t get sick],” Bard says.

Know your dog: When dogs experience anxiety, they often behave abnormally (for example, digging holes when they usually don’t). Bard recommends quelling the behavior by taking them for a run or walk, especially if the dog is young. To help the community with this need during the pandemic, Bed & Biscuit started offering rentals of its expansive yard space for $20 per half hour.

Bard also keeps anxiety at bay with a calming classical music station on Amazon designed for dogs.

“You’ve got to find what works. The dogs are anxious, too,” she says. “If people are anxious, the dogs can feel it.”

Have a plan: The pandemic has taught pet owners that they need to be prepared for emergencies. Bard suggests having a plan to ensure what will happen to pets when owners are sick or unable to care for them. Someone trusted should know about the plan, such as a dog sitter, to prevent the animal from being picked up by animal control.

“People are isolated right now. They’re alone,” Bard says. “They need to start thinking if something happens to me or I get sick, where’s my dog going? Who’s going to pick her up?”

For the latest news on COVID-19, visit cdc.gov. Learn about Bed & Biscuit at bedandbiscuitpetinn.com.

You May Also Like
Vinya Wine to Celebrate National No Phone Day With Miami’s Top Restaurants

Wanting restaurant guests to enjoy their meal and camaraderie with friends and family, Vinya Wine is spearheading an initiative to encourage patrons to enjoy a sip of wine with friends or family on National No Phone Day. Organized by Allegra Angelo, Vinya Wine partner and sommelier, Tuesday, April 18 has been declared No Phone Day,

Read More
W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach to Host Post Tortuga Party

The Tortuga Music Festival on Fort Lauderdale Beach will bring thousands of concertgoers to the area for a weekend of live musical entertainment. The popular event is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with headliners Eric Church (Friday), Shania Twain (Saturday) and Kenny Chesney (Sunday), each performing for more than 25,000 fans. However, the party

Read More
Paws Enchanted Masquerade Ball to Benefit the Humane Society of Broward County

The annual PAWS Gala benefiting the Humane Society of Broward County occurs at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale. This year’s theme is the “Enchanted Masquerade Ball,” presented by Spirit Airlines. Chairwomen Alyse Lemstrom and Sheryl Maher and their committee have organized the event with proceeds

Read More
Dan Marino Foundation Celebrates Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month

The Dan Marino Foundation in Fort Lauderdale will celebrate the autism community with various initiatives and events during Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month throughout April. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to improving the lives of children, teens, and adults with autism. When Dan and Claire Marino created the nonprofit in 1992, the prevalence of autism

Read More
Other Posts
Visit Lauderdale Celebrates Broward’s Cultural Diversity

Did you know Broward County is home to a rich, vibrant tapestry of cultures, with people from more than 170 countries speaking 147 languages living here? This dynamic array of diversity is not only prevalent in every corridor of the county — it’s proudly celebrated in the attractions, festivals, and food the destination offers. And

Read More
Jack & Jill Center to Host Team Pouncey Bowl for Change Fundraiser

Jack & Jill Center’s Young Professionals Network will host its annual charity bowling tournament from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, at Manor Lanes in Fort Lauderdale. The Team Pouncey Bowl for Change community event will feature a day of bowling, a live DJ, arcade games, a raffle, a full bar and

Read More
Gutenburg Burger Opens at Time Out Market Miami

Gutenburg Burger, a German-American burger concept, recently debuted at Time Out Market Miami, home to chef-inspired events, arts and culture, and live entertainment. Chef Jorge Kauam launched the eatery to honor Germany’s history of high-quality beef and highlight the hamburger’s proclaimed roots in his new menu.  “Our buns are a mix of a brioche and potato

Read More
Gulfstream Park Village’s Free Cone Day Returns Next Month

Gulfstream Park Village’s popular Free Cone Day will return on Wednesday, May 17 at Häagen-Dazs. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy one free mini cone or cup with the ice cream flavor of their choice. Additionally, Gulfstream Park Village Center will transform into a family-friendly village carnival with free entertainment

Read More