Learn How to Care for the Family Pet During COVID-19

1. How to Care for the Family
Pet During COVID-19

2. It seems like every day health experts issue another safety
recommendation to help us prepare and deal with the
coronavirus.
As we continue to plan for the uncertainties of COVID-19, here are
some tips for making our pets part of our preparedness plan, too.
Thankfully, amid all the worrisome news there’s a glimmer of
good tidings. ​The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) reports that companion animals in the United States,
including dogs and other pets, cannot contract or spread
COVID-19. Also, the World Health Organization (WHO) says
there’s no evidence the virus has infected any dogs or cats.
However, because animals and people can sometimes share
diseases (called zoonotic diseases), the CDC recommends people
who are sick or under medical attention for COVID-19 to limit

3. contact with companion and other animals until more is known
about the virus.
Petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food is not
recommended.
Instead, have a friend or family member take care of your pet until
your health provider says you have cleared the virus. If you are ill
with COVID-19 and must take care of your own pet, practice good
hygiene and wear a face mask, if possible.
Again, there’s no evidence that your pet can spread COVID-19, but
to make sure, you want to err abundantly on the side of caution.
I’m healthy and need to bring my pet or service animal to the vet.
What should I do?

4. ● If you are healthy, call your vet to make an appointment
for your pet or service animal as you usually would.
I have COVID-19 but still need to bring my animal to the vet.
What should I do?
● If your need to see your vet is an elective and a
non-urgent one, you should wait until both your health
care provider and public health officials say it’s okay to
interact with other people.
● If you believe your pet or service animal is ill, seek help
from your vet and public health official to determine how
to best ensure your pet or service animal can be
appropriately cared for while minimizing risks of
transmitting COVID-19 to other people.

5. Learn how to transform your pet into a more happier and sharp
pup
What else should I do to help my pet?
● Stock up on pet supplies. The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends
preparing an emergency kit with at least a 30-day supply
of medication and two weeks’ worth of food for your pet.
● Designate an emergency caregiver. Identify someone who
can take care of your pet in case you can’t. Share with
them your pet’s health issues, if any, and provide contact
information for your veterinarian. Also, let them know
other things about your pet, such as their habits, quirks,
favorite foods, food preferences, and so on.
● Have a crate ready. If your pet needs to be relocated or
transported, a crate can help protect your pet’s safety.

6. ● Identification. Your pet should have proper identification,
such as a collar with ID tag and a microchip with current
contact information.
Continue to protect yourself!
● Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least
20 seconds!
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
● Avoid close contact with sick people.
● Stay home when you are sick.
Learn how to transform your pet into a more happier and sharp
pup

7. Originally published at
https://www.leehealth.org/health-and-wellness/healthy-news-blog/coronavirus-covid-19/how-to-care-fo
r-the-family-pet-during-covid-19