Well if you've seen the news lately, you've heard that the CDC is now showing that the dreaded Coronavirus is actually able to be transmitted to our beloved pets. First reports said it couldn't happen but now that we know it can happen what do we do to protect them? We have compiled some useful information from what the experts are saying.
So far it seems as though it is very rare for them to contract it, but there are some things you can do to try and prevent the spread. Every daywe are getting conflicting information, so just try and do the best you can with what we know.
As with humans, there is no vaccine so if you suspect that your pet has symptoms call your trusted Veterinarian right away for guidance.
Take care of yourself, your family and your Pets!
If I am diagnosed with COVID-19, how do I protect my pet? American Veterinary Medical Association and the CDC recommend that anyone sick with COVID-19 should maintain separation from household pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would with other people. Although there have not been reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets.
If someone needs to enter the residence of COVID-19 patient in order to care for a pet there, what precautions should be taken?
This information has been provided by Dr. Connie Austin, the State Public Health Veterinarian in Illinois.
Direct person-to-person contact is the most likely way that COVID19 is transmitted (e.g., being within 6 feet of an infected person) for at least 10 minutes. Additionally, the possibility exists for infection from contaminated surfaces (i.e., someone could touch a contaminated surface and then touch their face: nose, eyes, mouth), but that is believed to be a far less likely means of transmission. As time goes by, the amount of virus that is viable decreases on surfaces.
If someone needs to go into a house to feed/water/walk a pet(s) from a COVID-19 house/apartment, the following steps are recommended to reduce the risk to the entering person:
- Wear gloves and clothes that can be easily washed,
- Bring a plastic bag,
- Avoid as much as possible touching surfaces in the house,
- As you leave the house put gloves into the plastic bag,
- After you attend to the pet and go home, wash clothes and wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Wearing a cloth mask can protect others from your respiratory secretions as you go out in public.
If someone needs to take the pet(s) out of the house:
- Wear gloves and clothes that can be easily washed,
- Avoid as much as possible touching surfaces in the house,
- Have a leash or carrier to use to put the pet in so the pet can be taken out of the house safely,
- Keep the pets together and isolated away from other pets for 14 days out of an abundance of caution,
- Wash hands/clothes after leaving the house.
- Wearing a cloth mask can protect others from your respiratory secretions as you go out in public.
Sources:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html
https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet_column/coronavirus-pets/