How can I keep my pets safe from SARS-CoV-2?

While the risk to pets seems minimal so far, it’s still wise to play it safe. One of the best ways to protect your dog (and yourself) during the pandemic is to keep them away from other people and animals.

Skip visits to the groomer and cancel upcoming doggy daycare appointments. Make this situation positive by grooming and playing your canine buddy by yourself – some sort of bonding moment.

You should also avoid crowded parks, and leave your pup at home if you go to the pet store.

For those who are near hiking areas, or have a spacious backyard, wipe down your pet’s paws and fur after going for walks or playing outside before they step back inside the house.

If you want to be extra careful, wash your hands before and after petting your dog. You may also choose to wear a face mask around your dog, but this isn’t necessary if you don’t have the virus.

Note that animals should never wear face masks. Even if there are masks explicitly created for pets with different muzzle sizes, it can lead to breathing difficulties and induce distress in some dogs. Besides, they aren’t guaranteed to prevent your dog from contracting SARS-CoV-2.

And even if your pet does contract the virus, they probably won’t experience severe symptoms. On the off chance that they do become symptomatic, separate them from other pets, and limit their exposure to uninfected humans.

This is particularly important for cats, as felines can spread COVID-19 to each other. Dogs should be kept away from feline companions and sick family members, but don’t need to be isolated themselves unless they show symptoms.

If you suspect your pet has COVID-19, contact your vet right away. Do not go to the veterinarian’s clinic in person. Your vet will likely direct you to track your dog’s symptoms and monitor their health. After all, a lot of medical health concerns are assisted online now.

COVID-19 tests are available for pets, but they aren’t always necessary. Your vet can help you determine if your dog needs to have his COVID status officially confirmed.

If I am diagnosed with COVID-19, how do I protect my pet?

Finding out you have the Novel Coronavirus can be terrifying. Figuring out how to care for your pet while you’re sick can feel even scarier.

If you’re diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2, you’ll want to limit contact, not only with people but with your pet as much as possible. Depending on your symptoms, it may be challenging to walk your dog or take him out to go potty.

The best course of action? Draw up an emergency care plan now, even if you aren’t sick.

Start by identifying 1 to 3 people who can take care of your pup if you can. They will serve as your care team.

Ideally, you won’t have physical contact with these people regularly, but they’ll still be familiar faces to your pooch. If your dog doesn’t know them well, consider using socially-distant introductions to ensure your pet is comfortable with their new sitters.

Next, determine what “care” looks like for your pet. Will Fido need to be exercised? Fed? Taken to appointments? Swept away on a doggy vacation while you recover? Iron out those details as early as you can.

You can also divide these duties between your team to lighten the load. Perhaps Person A takes care of feeding and brushing Fido, while Person B takes Fido for a daily jog.

You should also move pet supplies like leashes or treats near your main door. Making these easily accessible keeps your care team from interacting with you or touching surfaces in your home to find what they need.

Lastly, share the care plan with your team, your family, and your vet. Make sure everyone is on the same page. Don’t forget to provide information on how much food, exercise, or medication your dog needs and how often.

You can also inform them of the details about your pet’s personality and behaviors, which is particularly crucial for less-than-social pups!

Then, provide a list of contact information for everyone involved in your pet’s care.

If you can’t find alternative care for your pup while you recover, adopt the same behaviors around them as you do in public. Avoid contact as much as possible, wear a mask, and wash your hands before touching or petting your dog.

Should dog owners be worried about the coronavirus?

Technically, dogs can carry the coronavirus, but it’s rare. Additionally, there’s no evidence that dogs can transmit the virus to people.

As we mentioned earlier, the key here: it’s always better safe than sorry. Social distancing applies to your pup, too, so keep them out of range of other people and pets as much as you can.

What other questions do you have about the coronavirus and dogs? Tell us in the comments and let’s discuss with fellow pet parents!

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