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So you’ve decided to self isolate, or have been made to stay home from work due to the threat of Coronavirus. You’ve taken all of the necessary precautions. You’ve made sure to disinfect every surface you touch constantly. You’re making sure to stand at least 6 feet away from other people, and you’re washing your own hands every chance you get. These are all good practices for staying healthy, and keeping the rest of your family healthy as well. However, now that a Pomeranian in China has tested positive for the virus people are worried that their animals like dogs and cats could potentially pass the sickness on to them. We’ve taken a look at the available information and tried to condense it as much as possible so that you don’t have to worry.. Here’s what we know.
1.) Despite reports of one infected dog in China, which was a weak positive result, experts believe that there is not enough evidence to suggest that COVID-19 can pass from canine to humans.
2.) There are certain types of Coronavirus that a dog can catch, but this specific iteration of the virus is not believed to be transmissible to humans, so there should be no cause to panic further. However, researchers do believe that the initial outbreak of COVID-19 was passed first from animals to humans.
As dog owners there are some precautions you can take to allay your fears and prevent any possible contamination.
1.) Wash your hands thoroughly before and after any contact with an animal. This is the same tactic you should be using with other humans.
2.) If you have been exposed, or suspect that you may have come in contact with the virus you should limit time around your pet, or isolate yourself from them altogether to prevent spreading the virus to their fur, and then passing it on to others who may also be in contact with your pet, such as family members.
3.) It will also help to prevent the spread of bacteria to wash their paws thoroughly any time the animal returns from a trip outside.
4.) It is not necessary for your dog to wear a face mask, which experts say is ineffective, and will probably do more harm than good by causing stress to your animals.
It should go without saying that washing your hands with soap and water after contact with any animal is a necessary step to avoiding contact with potentially harmful bacteria.
As with any infectious bacteria, it is important not to panic.
1.)Do not abandon your pets, and do not neglect them due to fears of possible contamination.
2.)Before you get stuck at home, make sure that all of your pet’s needs are being met. Make sure you have plenty of food for them in the event that a mandatory state of quarantine is put into effect and you cannot leave the house to get more.
3.)Dogs will still need to be walked, and let outside to use the bathroom.
In these uncertain times, it is easy to become scared and to act in ways that could potentially cause harm to your animal. Your animals can be an excellent source of comfort when you are stuck in the house worried about getting sick. Treat your pet like any other human you’d potentially come in contact with, wash your hands, and do not let fear control you. Make sure to do everything you possibly can to limit exposure to outside bacteria. If you do this, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about and both you and your dog will remain happy and healthy for the duration of this global health crisis.
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