If you are the owner of a four-legged friend, you’ve probably wondered what affect COVID-19 can have on your pet.
Should you be concerned about Fido’s health? Is it safe to take your furry friend on walks? Can pets pass the COVID-19 virus to humans? If you get sick, can your animal get infected? How can you keep your pet healthy?
We have been told for weeks that COVID-19 cannot effect our pets, but is this accurate?
This week, a Pug named Winston in Chapel Hill, North Carolina tested positive for the virus. Winston is the first known case of a dog with COVID-19 in the United States, but he is not the first domestic animal in the world to contract the virus.
There have been at least two reported cases of dogs in Hong Kong testing positive for the virus. Both of these dogs were the pets of Covid-19 positive owners, and neither showed any signs of illness from the virus. The COVID-19 virus has also been found in cats as well as a female Malayan tiger at New York’s Bronx Zoo. (Read more here.)
In Winston’s case, two family members who live in the home with the dog are front line health care workers who had also tested positive for COVID-19. Winston experienced mild symptoms and is recovering well.
Each of these cases indicates that animals may contract the virus from humans, but at this time, there is no evidence that suggests animals are a significant threat to the spread of the COVID-19 virus in people, according to the CDC. And while we know dogs and cats can contract certain types of coronaviruses, there is currently no evidence that the novel COVID-19 virus poses a serious medical threat to animals.
How can I protect my dog’s health?
We know you care about the health of your beloved pet. Here are some general guidelines recommended by the CDC for anyone who tests positive for COVID-19:
- If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you should avoid contact with both pets and people.
- If you are sick with coronavirus, you should avoid petting, snuggling, sharing bedding with or being kissed or licked by your pets.
- Always wash your hands before and after interacting with your pets.
- If you are sick, wear a cloth face covering if you are around your pets.
- Routinely disinfect any surfaces with which your dog may come in contact, including food bowls and cages.
Is it safe to walk my dog?
Exercise is essential for the health of humans and animals alike. Taking your dog for regular walks can be beneficial for your physical and mental well-being during these unprecedented times. When you take your dog for a walk, be sure to follow these guidelines:
- Walk your dog on a leash.
- Maintain at least six feet between other people and animals.
- Do not gather in groups with other dogs or people and avoid crowded areas.
- Do not go to dog parks or other places where people and dogs may gather.
- Do not let others pet your dog while you are out for a walk.
What should I do if my dog gets sick?
If your pet shows any signs of respiratory illness, call your veterinarian right away. Keep your dog isolated from other pets as a precaution.
Keep up-to-date on the latest information regarding COVID-19 and your dog here.
We know the health and safety of your pet is a priority. Evolution Dog Wash machines are built with the health and safety of dogs in mind, with built-in sanitation and comfort measures in place. Every machine comes with a disinfectant option so you can easily spray down the unit before and after you wash your dog to ensure optimal cleanliness. We offer a contoured non-skid wash platform to avoid your dog standing in dirty water. And to make dogs feel safe, less anxious and comfortable we have the water set to the perfect, dog tested and approved, temperature.
During this time that groomers are closed and people are looking for affordable solutions to care for their pets, Evolution Dog Wash can help you keep your furry friend clean, healthy and happy.
