The canine COVID crisis is real
Two very different themes emerged during the pandemic: you either learned to bake bread or got a dog.
Sadly, the unprecedented demand for dogs created an adverse effect on animal health and welfare. Far too many households adopted or purchased puppies and dogs during the global crisis, hoping their new addition would alleviate their feelings of isolation, loneliness and anxiety. Many obtained the dog with good intentions; however, animal advocates became concerned as they witnessed an acute animal crisis develop.
Although animal rescue organizations initially experienced a welcomed surge in adoptions during the pandemic, the euphoria was short-lived because pet owners began to surrender their newly acquired dogs in record numbers. Families who adopted or bought dogs without doing their due diligence started handing them over as they realized the daily obligations of pet ownership were too much.
As people went back to office life, took holidays, went to the gym, started socializing or began enrolling their kids in after-school/weekend activities, they suddenly realized they had no time for the dog.
Whether the dog was a puppy, adolescent or adult, the outcome from the crisis is being felt in every rescue, shelter, veterinary clinic and community.
As a result of lockdowns and restrictions, many dogs missed out on the most critical time in their short lives: to become properly socialized. Obedience classes or access to trainers was at an all-time low across Canada due to restrictions, leaving new pet owners sitting on waitlists. Adopted adolescent or adult dogs also benefit from obedience classes, as it helps the new family learn how to communicate with the dog.
Shelters and rescues are witnessing behavioural problems with surrendered dogs such as aggression, separation anxiety, house training, or other socialization problems. Sadly, fundraising slowly dried up or came to a complete halt during the pandemic. It takes money to save a dog such as training, veterinarian care, feeding and housing.
Many dogs or puppies bought online during the pandemic have severe health issues. These dogs may have come from backyard breeders and mass dog farm businesses that are profiting from the increased demand for dogs. Unfortunately, there are stories that some new dog owners are experiencing the death of their new pet only weeks or months after taking them into their homes. Others are developing cancer or blindness at very young ages. Sadly, other severe health issues such as hip dysplasia or heart murmurs will also develop long after the pandemic and as the dogs mature.
Unbelievably, some people who purchased dogs or pups impulsively are now putting their bought dogs up for sale to recoup the money they paid to breeders and veterinary care.
Unfortunately, I believe this crisis will continue long after the pandemic ends. If you can, please support your local shelters and rescue organizations. Please be kind to animals.