Millennium Magazine_7th Ed

COVID-19 AND YOUR PET If you are the proud owner of a cat or a dog, or other furry or scaly creatures, questions about how the coronavirus could affect your pet may be on your mind. Although there is still a lot to learn about this virus and how it affects pets and their owners, the following information will tell you what is known. This information can be used to protect your pet from contracting COVID-19, and it will inform you on what to do if your pet gets sick. How Can I Protect My Pet From COVID-19? According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is little chance of pets infecting people with COVID-19. A human infected with this virus can pass it on to an animal, however. To this end, it is recommended that you take the following precautions to protect your pet from contracting COVID-19. When walking your dog, make sure it is wearing a leash and keep your pooch six feet away from people and other animals. Avoid taking your pup to dog parks and other places where many dogs usually go. If you are a cat parent who lets your cat go outdoors, keep your kitty inside as much as possible so that it does not come into contact with dogs, humans or other felines. Keep masks off pets. Though these protective face coverings offer protection to humans, they can be harmful to animals. If you suspect you have COVID-19 or you know you do, do not cuddle with your pet or lie next to it. Additionally, do not pet and kiss your cat or dog while you are ill. If you have to get close to your furry family member, don a mask before you do and thoroughly scrub your hands prior to touching your pet and after interacting with it. What Should I Do If I Think My Pet Has COVID-19? If you suspect that your pet has come down with COVID-19, contact your veterinarian by phone. Do not attempt to treat your pet yourself by washing it down with harmful substances such as alcohol gels or hydrogen peroxide. Choose someone you trust to care for your pet should you become infected with COVID-19 and have to be hospitalized. Arrange to have this person care for your pet ahead of time. If your pet gets sick from the virus, do not panic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that most pets that have contracted COVID-19 had a full recovery and were only mildly ill.