Pets are an important part of our family and have a special place in our hearts. Our pets often know our mood and will cheer us when we are sitting on the sofa with deep thoughts.
In today’s situations when the COVID-19 pandemic looms around the world and we live in isolation and our pets make us feel less alone. It is time to know that we must take the necessary precautions against the spread of this disease in pets.
If you’re wondering that your pets can contract or transmit COVID-19 and how you should maintain your pet’s health during the lockdown of the coronavirus than read the article below.
Can your pet contract or transmit COVID-19?
Based on some recent research and studies related to the impact of COVID-19 on pets, here is some data to help you understand the situation correctly.
Many scientists around the world claim that there is no reason to think that a pet can transmit or become infected with the infection.
But in recent reports, two dogs in Hong Kong were found “weak positives” for the coronavirus. This was probably the first case of human-to-animal transmission; the dog is believed to have a low level of infection.
After the reports of two dogs, the latest news that caused alarm among cat owners is that of a cat in Belgium with apparent symptoms of the virus that causes COVID-19, but it was an isolated case, not the rule.
In this case, the owner of the cat was also positive for the virus. The cat shows signs of shortness of breath and diarrhea a week later. Veterinarians at the University of Liège, Belgium studied and detected the viral genome in vomit and in a sample of cat feces.
At the Bronx Zoo in New York City, a tiger tested positive for COVID-19 after showing respiratory illness. In this case, authorities believe the tiger is infected by an employee infected with COVID-19.
Do you think that after reviewing all these studies you should be concerned about the spread of the virus to pets and its transmission to others? To be concise, not yet!
But you can follow the particular guidelines provided by CDC to protect yourself and your pets from COVID-19.
Social Distancing
Scientists have recommended that families with pets maintain social distance. It is said to be best for pets and their owner. Some guidelines provided by CDC that we must follow are
- Keep your pets indoors and don’t let them interact with other animals and humans.
- Take your pet on a walk with a leash and keep a social distance of at least 2 meters (6 feet) from other animals and humans
- Do not take your pets to public places where large numbers of people and animals gather.
Avoid contact with infected persons
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that if any of your family members suffers from COVID-19, you should avoid contact with your pets. In particular, avoid hugging, kissing, and petting animals because you are at risk of transmitting the disease to animals.
It is difficult for a pet owner to avoid their furry companion, but it will prevent the spread of the disease through the animal’s collar, fur, and toys.
Rules of Hygiene
Covid-19 can spread from your pets possibly through their fur. That is why it is recommended to practice good hygiene, wash your hands before and after taking care of your pet.
If you take your pet out, he can return with the virus through his paws and can affect people in your home, so it is recommended to clean its paws with disinfectant and spray disinfectant on their fur and brush them thoroughly.
If you take your pet outside for elimination purposes, train him to stay in the newspaper and make sure he doesn’t make contact with a surface from where he can catch an infection.
By following these guidelines, you will help prevent the contract or the transmission of viruses to your pet.
Plan for worst
If you or any of your family members is diagnosed with COVID-19 doesn’t panic make a plan in advance and follow these guidelines to prevent the spread of Coronavirus to your loved ones.
If you are sick or under quarantine ask any of your friend or family members to take care of your pet.
You can also take help from boarding facilities and leave your pet there so that they can take care of your cat or dog.
Make sure that your pet vaccination is up to date and they have an ID or tag.
Prepare a special kit that contains all the essential supplies of your pet for emergency situations. The kit must contain a two-week ration for pets and necessary medications.
Maintain a pet dossier
Keep a pet file that will help the caretaker you hire for your assistance. Your pet’s file should contain all the information in one place, such as your pet’s habit, any disease condition, food preferences, behavior problems, and veterinary contact information.
How to take care during quarantine?
If no one is available to care for your pet, you can quarantine it with yourself. You should take some precautions while feeding and doing your pet’s chores.
Always wash your hands before and after feeding your pet. If your pet is housetrained outside the house, then use a box or paper to train him inside the house. It will prevent the spread of infection.
Always wear your mask before making contact with your pet. Pets love to play with you, but you must keep a distance and avoid hugging, kissing, and cuddling your pet.
Keep pet supplies around the house like food, toys, and a first aid kit.
Call your Vet
If your pet shows any symptoms of respiratory or digestive system related illness, never take your dog to the vet clinic, but call your vet first.
Different veterinary clinics offer home services for pets to prevent the spread of the virus. Different laboratories also offer the COVID-19 diagnostic test for pets.
