Looking after pets during times of coronavirus
April 5, 2020
Following the outbreak of Covid-19 and the following mass of information and misinformation surrounding its origins, there has been an unprecedented amount of uncertainty and doubt regarding pets and whether they can catch the virus or indeed be carriers.
The latest information from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association reassures pet owners Covid-19 cannot be caught or transmitted by companion animals. However, this does not remove the possibility that their fur, feathers or shell could harbour the virus in the same way a door handle, lift button or card machine can.
We encourage pet owners to maintain the precautionary sanitary measures when handling their pets. As always, after interacting with pets, it is advisable pet owners wash their hands before touching their faces or preparing food.
For dog owners’ extra steps must be taken when on their daily walks, such as not allowing others to touch their dog, keeping to designated spaces for dog owners and cleaning their dogs’ paws when they return. Cat owners who allow their cats outdoors should also clean their paws when they re-enter the house.
Should pet owners need to bring their pet to the veterinary clinic for routine appointments or find themselves needing emergency care, our recommendation would be to clarify the sanitary and social distancing procedures in place at the clinic.
Making an appointment over the phone will allow the medical team to establish the nature of the problem. We can then advise whether an appointment is required, a teleconsultation can be conducted or medication can be delivered if the animal has a pre-existing or routine health condition already on file.
If an in-person appointment is required, your details will be taken by our staff while you remain in the car, and your pet will be brought inside for the examination to avoid unnecessary contact with other patients and their owners. The vet will then return to the car to discuss the results and hand your animal back to you, unless there is a requirement for your pet to be admitted for a procedure or observation.
However, it is advisable, where possible, to confirm whether we can collect your pet from your home and bring it back to you following the appointment. This will greatly reduce the risk of coming into contact with others. For routine vaccinations, in particular, this approach is advisable as it is important pet vaccinations don’t lapse, as this can impact their ability to travel in the future.
Many pet owners have not taken the time to consult with their vet to find out if there are any risks associated with contracting Covid-19 from the animals they live with. This has unfortunately led to an increased number of animals being surrendered, placing an additional burden on shelters already operating at capacity with a limited or no volunteers and a reduction in food donations due to social distancing rules.
During times such as these, pets can be a great source of comfort and companionship, helping their owners deal the change, uncertainty and isolation resulting from social distancing.
Cats and dogs especially make excellent emotional support animals, and those who are able to may consider easing the burden on shelters by fostering an animal for a short period, if your local shelter is still allowing animals to go out to foster homes.
This not only allows the animal some respite from a crowded shelter but also offers foster families much-needed company as they navigate the current situation.
Most Recent News
Former Victoria man’s diabetic alert dog helps him get back to life
When Luke Hengen’s diabetes worsened in his early twenties, it stripped him of the outdoor activities where the country kid felt at home. Countless wilderness adventures and years of hard-fought football games took a toll on his body, to the point where he could no longer sense when his blood sugar was too high or […]
Students Get Therapy Dog
When middle school students return to class on Jan. 11, they’ll find a new face at the door: Daisy. Daisy is a therapy dog and the personal pet of Rob Kreger, principal of the Rock L. Butler Middle School. The five-year-old golden retriever is not a school pet or mascot, but rather a working dog […]
Therapy Dogtor
Last March, Caroline Benzel, a third-year medical student, began to notice the stress and discomfort her nurse friends were feeling from the pressures of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. “[Personal protective equipment] can be really rough on the skin,” Benzel, 31, tells PEOPLE. Benzel and her 3-year-old Rottweiler, Loki (who’s also a therapy dog) hatched a […]
Therapy Dog Pups
When Stanley the miniature fox terrier’s owner passed away, the little dog started a ‘paw-some’ new role – bringing puppy love to some of the Gold Coast’s oldest residents. After Carinity Cedarbrook Diversional Therapist Julianne Staff adopted Stanley, he began visiting the aged care community at Mudgeeraba as a therapy dog. Therapy dogs help to […]
Puppy Cams
A nonprofit is providing an unusual form of therapy for those on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic – puppy cams! “You spend five minutes with a puppy and try not to smile,” said registered nurse Robin Lingg Lagrone. Lingg Lagrone says watching little furballs wag their tails and prance on their paws helps […]
Pet Committee
When Moore County’s school doors were abruptly closed earlier in 2020, two- and four-legged volunteers from the Moore County Citizens’ Pet Responsibility Committee (PRC) were in their 12th year of presenting a six-session Pet Responsibility Education Program for fourth-graders. The PRC quickly shifted gears and placed its program materials online as part of a home […]