Good News: Everything You Need To Know About Coronavirus & Your Dog
Please note, there’s been no evidence to suggest that corona can be transferred from dog to human, or vice versa. We’ve collected this info directly from the WHO and CDC to share comprehensively with you, so you can focus on the important things in life, like being safe and healthy and happy with your fur family. Please read the content carefully, and contact us if you have any questions.
Our pets are our family, period. As a result, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about the potential impact of COVID-19 aka the “Coronavirus” on your fur family. The good news is, the Center For Disease Control (CDC) has yet to report any animals in the US with the coronavirus. As for the rest of the world, a dog in Hong Kong showed a “weak positive” test results for the virus. The dog’s owner tested positive for the virus. There is no evidence or suspicion that the two gave/transmitted it to each other. The dog is currently in quarantine, safe and happy, with its pet parent.
I’m Feeling Sick Or I’ve Tested Positive For Coronavirus. How Do I Care For My Dog?
One of the most difficult aspects of this illness is social distancing. While we love our dogs and find comfort in giving them lots of love and affection, if you’re sick, you should minimize contact with them. While walks and daily feeding are necessary interactions, make sure you practice standard hand washing and hygiene techniques before coming into contact with your dog or their food, toys, and other items. Make sure you’re using a pet-friendly disinfectant when cleaning your home, and contact your veterinarian if you see any changes in your dog’s health.
Socializing With Other Dogs:
Please be also aware to not gather with other dog owners nor to pet other dogs, as they can have been touched by an infected human and it is possible to spread the virus this way. Keep your walks and playtime in parks to you and your dog for the next few weeks.
How Vulnerable Is My Dog To The Coronavirus?
The CDC and other major health organizations have not expressed concern about the transmission of the virus to and from pets. Aside from the case in Hong Kong, there have been no other documented cases. We will continue to keep you updated on the potential risk factor, but we recommend practicing social distancing between your dog and other dogs as well as people. As seen in the past a virus can gain the ability to switch hosts and it is more likely to happen if cross-host exposure is happening, the less exposure our pets have to the virus, the lower their risk.
Is There A Shortage Of Pet Supplies On The Horizon?
Luckily, there have been no reports of any shortages of animal drug or medical supplies. The American Veterinary Association (AVMA) and the FDA are working together to identify any potential supply shortages. There have been some claims of supply chain disruptions which could eventually lead to issues. You can stay updated by clicking here.
How Do I Prepare For An Emergency For My Dog?
Your emergency plan should always factor in your pet. There are pre-packaged kits available online for pets and pet owners. The recommended minimum to ensure health and safety for you and your pet during an emergency a 2-week supply of food, medicine, and other basic necessities. This is because quarantines last for 14 days.
Additional Resources:
- For in-depth coverage and updates on everything related to the coronavirus, check the Center For Disease Control (CDC) website here.
- The Worldwide Health Organization (WHO) provides excellent global coverage of the outbreak. Learn more here.
- As mentioned above, the AVMA covers animal-related topics and can be found here.
The Bottom Line: Stay Home & Get Delivery.
In the wake of this global pandemic, several countries have already begun to implement lockdown measures to prevent a full-on outbreak. As the US has recently ordered the closure of non-essential storefronts, restaurants, bars, gyms, and fitness centers, the responsibility to stay healthy rests on you. Stay safe and give your dog a home environment and adjusted daily routine to prevent exposure to the virus. If you’re stuck at home and you’re feeling fine, then continue to apply best hygiene practices and enjoy the downtime with your furry BFF. If you’d like us to write about any other health issues that the above resources may not cover, send us an email! We’ll do our best to put the research together and get you an answer.
We at Happy Again Pet understand you are all going through tough times at the moment and we want you to know that we are here to help. We put together an FAQ for the most addressed concerns to provide you with helpful information and support your dog’s health by continuing to make Happy Again available through safe distribution channels like emails and home delivery. Stay healthy, and let’s get through this together!
Yours, Anja – Founder and Chief Scientist of Happy Again Pet
