Pet animals make lives infinitely more cheerful and bearable with their unconditional love and boundless enthusiasm for life.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has kept everyone mostly indoors and isolated from social interaction for more than a year, pets have showered immense love on their adoptive families and provided comforting company as an antidote to loneliness.
Pets are considered a part of a family, and when a person from the family gets infected with COVID-19, the safety and protection of the pet is as important as that of other family members.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a few pets, including cats and dogs, have been infected with the coronavirus, mostly after the animals came in close contact with COVID-19 positive people.
Infected pets may get sick or may not have any symptoms. Serious illness in pets appears to be rare, most had a mild illness, and recovered fully.
Based on limited information, the risk of animals spreading the COVID-19 virus to people appears to be low. If you become infected with COVID-19, you may transmit COVID-19 to your pet, although the risk of transmission is believed to be low according to the CDC.
Read on to find out how you can care for your pets if you have COVID-19.
Prepare Ahead of Time
Even if you are not infected, it is better to be prepared for the scenario and how you will deal with your pet.
For an efficient handover of your pet, if needed, create a pet database with all essential details such as:
Name, age, breed
Vaccination history, medical history, allergies
Feeding schedule, walking schedule
Temperament (nature-friendly, shy, loves playing with children, etc.)
Vet - name, address, and contact information
Medication details including instructions
Pet ID of the hospital/clinic you visit
Ensure that your pet is free of fleas, dewormed, and vaccinated as per schedule.
Make sure that your pet has an identification tag with all details – name, address, and phone number.
Ensure that your pet’s bedding is clean, and keep a fresh pair of bedding and food/water bowls packed and ready, in case of emergency.
Prepare a crate. If your pet needs to be relocated or transported, a crate can help with a safe transfer.
Since you may be confined to your home for several weeks if infected, make sure you have at least a month’s supply of the following items at home:
Pet food
Pet medications
Pet toys
Potty pads or pet turf (artificial grass for pets) for your dog to relieve themselves indoors
Cat litter
Cleaning supplies (in case your pet has an incident indoors)
If You Have COVID-19 And Are in Home Isolation
1. Isolate yourself from your pets, in a single bedroom (with an attached bathroom) and let a healthy family member handle your pet’s meals and walks, and take care of them until you are feeling better.
2. Limit contact with your pets, in case you live alone and have to care for your pets yourself. To reduce the possibility of spreading the infection to your pets, remember to:
Wash your hands before and after handling your pets, and before touching your pets’ food and water bowls.
Avoid close contact with your pets, such as being licked, kissed, or snuggled by them.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and dispose of the tissues hygienically where pets cannot reach them. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
Avoid sharing your food with your pet, and do not sleep with your pet in your bed.
Wear a mask around your pet to decrease the possibility of spreading the infection.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
3. Keep your pet cats and dogs indoors if possible, and prevent them from interacting with other animals or people. If you have access to a private yard, walk your dog in that area.
If you do not have a private yard, you must train your dog to relieve themselves indoors.
4. Consider hiring a dog walker/pet sitter or finding alternate care for your pet. Maintain masking and distancing during the transfer of the dog to the walker. Request the dog walker to wear a mask too. Sanitise the leash before and after taking the pet for a walk.
If You Have COVID-19 And Are Hospitalised
It is advisable to identify and consult pet shelters/volunteers/family/friends in advance to care for your pet in the event that you are hospitalised. The transition of handing over your pet will be easier this way.
You can also arrange for someone to stay at home with your pet in your absence. However, it is important that you make provisions for your house to be sanitised before they move in.
If You Have COVID-19 And Your Pet Becomes Sick
If your pet becomes ill, prevent it from going outside and try to isolate your pet in a separate room away from the other family members.
Wear gloves when you interact with your pet or while handling it’s food, dishes, waste, or bedding.
Wash your hands after touching any of your pet's items.
It is not advisable to put a face mask on your pet or to wipe them with disinfectants.
If your pet develops new symptoms or gets worse, do not take them to the veterinary clinic yourself.
Call your veterinarian, let them know that you have COVID-19, and consider alternative plans such as teleconsultations for sick pets.
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021. COVID-19 and Your Health. [online] Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/pets.html> [Accessed 18 May 2021].
2. Animal Humane Society. 2021. Do you have a COVID-19 plan for your pet?. [online] Available at: <https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/news/do-you-have-covid-19-plan-your-pet> [Accessed 18 May 2021].
Disclaimer: This article is written by Practo for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.