Covid-19 and your pets
“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,” said Dr Robertson.
Many members of the community have been unsure what Covid-19 may mean for their fur babies and how it will affect not only them but their loving owners.
To put a stop to the spread of misinformation, Canine & Co, a supplier of pet food and products, shared some important tips with animal lovers to use during lockdown.
“Amidst this unsure time due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we can find comfort in knowing we will be receiving continued and unconditional love from our family pets at home,” said Dr Matthew Robertson, a Johannesburg-based veterinarian.
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According to Matthew, this remains a challenging time for everybody, and one comfort in our homes is that of the furry family and the ability to spend time with pets.
“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,” said Matthew.
However, one constant challenge affecting even pets, remains the spread of misinformation around coronavirus and pets on social media.
Misinformation and misguided advice to pet owners has raised questions and concerns about how to safely interact with pets, and whether pets expose owners to additional risks.
The Canine & Co team has 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 (OIE) states that there is no evidence that dogs play a role in the spread of this disease, or that they become sick.
The CDC also seconds that opinion, stating that, “At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread Covid-19”.
They recommend the following to ensure that furry families and their owners remain healthy:
• All family members should maintain good hygiene practices, including washing their hands after interacting with their pets, their pet food or animal waste.
• Should owners be subject to self-isolation or even hospitalisation, special care for their pets should be arranged 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, as part of their Covid-19 precautionary protocol, pet parents should refrain from allowing unknown persons – including delivery people – to touch, stroke or pet their pets.
• Pet owners should contact their veterinarian if they have questions or concerns.
• Pet owners can and should postpone any vaccinations, which are important to protect 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.
