How to Take Care of your Pet’s during COVID- 19 Pandemic?

Latest Modified on: May 17th, 2021

If you’re a pet owner, working from home in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic means you’re spending a lot of extra time with your furry friend. In this situation, what we need to know about our pet dogs? There are some steps and plans for all pet owners that can help them take care of their pets.

The news is that currently, “While we do not yet know for sure, there is limited evidence that companion animals can be infected with or spread SARS-Cov-2. We also do not know if they could get sick from this new coronavirus. Additionally, there is currently no evidence that companion animals could be a source of infection to people.” according to the WSAVA.

Emergency Plans for Pets

Every pet owner should have an emergency plan for their pet dogs. This includes putting together an emergency kit including your pet’s identification details (e.g. microchip), copies of their veterinary records, any medication they might need, and supplies such as pet food, cleaning supplies, pee pads, and so on.

Check these supplies and increase them if they are in less quantity. Think about your pet medication as per needs and make sure you have a good supply of it as well as pet food. In case you have self-isolated need any other supplies.

Veterinarian Adrian Walton of Dewdney Animal Hospital told “If you are quarantined, it’s very likely that you’re going to be quarantining your pet as well, at least for 14 days. So one of the things you need to be sure is that you have enough food and medications to self-quarantine yourself and your pet for that period of time; but also understand that if you get hospitalized, you’re going to have to have arrangements with somebody to take care of your pets if you do have to spend some time in the hospital. These are things that you should be planning ahead for.”

Check with a friend, family member, or neighbor who could take care of your pet dogs in the case you have to be in the hospital, and have a backup just in case they get sick too.

What if we have to self-isolate?

At the moment, some people who are at risk of infection are being asked to self-isolate for a period of 14 days. Self-isolation means that you should not go out. However, you can still get things delivered so you could still get food (and pet food) delivered from your local supermarket. Have the delivery left on the doorstep and do not open the door until the delivery person has left, to avoid risks of transmission.

What if you get COVID-19?

If you have COVID-19, you should avoid close contact with your pets, and have another member of your household look after them if possible. The government has this advice:

If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have a pet or other animal:

• Avoid close contact with them. Do not snuggle or kiss them, or let them lick you, sit on your lap, or sleep in your bed.
• Avoid coughing and sneezing on your animals.
• Have another member of your household take care of your animals. If this is not possible, always wash your hands before touching or feeding them.
• Limit your animal’s contact with other people and animals. This may mean keeping them indoors.

How can I help the most vulnerable?

The CDC has advised staying home as much as possible. So far, what we know is that people who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 are those over 65, with an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, or diabetes, and/or with a compromised immune system. People like this may need a little help. For example, they may need help with shopping (or with setting up internet shopping) or with walking their dog so that they can avoid crowds.

Want more tips to keep your pets safe from COVID-19, stay tuned to the largest dog website in India!