Covid-19 and your pets: What you need to know
Pet owners can and should postpone any vaccinations an important part of protecting pets against many other diseases that can wait until the end of the national lockdown
While lockdown remains challenging, one comfort in our homes during this difficult period is our furry family and the ability to spend time with our pets.
According to Dr Matthew Robertson, a Johannesburg-based veterinarian, the special pets in our lives are a source of comfort and support, and are sure to be happy to have their people home with them all day. However, one constant challenge, affecting even our pets, remains the spread of misinformation on social media around coronavirus and pets.
Dr Robertson said misinformation and misguided advice to pet owners have raised questions and concerns about how to interact with pets safely, and whether pets expose owners to additional risks.
“Our team at Canine & Co have compiled some trustworthy information around animals and Covid-19 from a range of sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), and the South African government’s online coronavirus resource and news portal.
“The World Organisation for Animal Health, formerly the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), states there is no evidence that dogs play a role in the spread of this disease, or that they get sick from it. The CDC also seconds that opinion, stating that, ‘at this time, there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread Covid-19′.
To keep themselves and their companion animals safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Robertson urged all to adhere to their veterinarians’ advice and follow the below recommendations: All family members should maintain good hygiene practices, including washing their hands after interacting with their pets, their pets’ food, or animal waste.
Should owners be subject to self-isolation or even hospitalisation, fur baby parents should arrange special care for any pets with a family member or with friends.
Just like human skin, pet fur can act as a surface for Covid-19 to adhere to, so pet parents should refrain from allowing unknown persons, including delivery people, to touch, stroke or pet their fur babies as part of their Covid-19 precautionary protocol.
Pet owners should contact their veterinarian if they have questions or concerns.
Pet owners can and should postpone any vaccinations an important part of protecting pets against many other diseases that can wait until the end of the national lockdown.
Continue feeding your pets quality cat and dog food brands to prevent unnecessary changes in their diet during this time. Pet food services remain open.
