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PAWS Pet Advocacy, Welfare & Safety COVID-19 and Pets: What you need to know and prepare for during the pandemic By Lauri JulianAs we face uncertain times, there is a lot of information as it pertains to people, but what do we need to know about how to prepare for the welfare of our pets? First, it’s important to note that both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) have advised that there is NO evidence at this time that companion animals can spread the virus, nor have they received any reports of pets or other animals becoming ill from COVID-19. However, the CDC recommends restricting contact with pets if a person is sick with COVID-19 until more is known about the virus -- this includes petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food. If someone is having severe symptoms and they are petting their dog, this can act like a contaminated surface for other people to get sick. If possible, have another person in the house who is not sick care for the animals. If that is not possible or you have a service animal, make sure to wash your hands before and after interacting with pets and wear a face mask. If you are ill, you should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. There have been reports out of Hong Kong about a couple of dogs, belonging to people who tested positive for COVID-19, testing positive themselves. What does this really mean? In the first case, a 17- year old Pomeranian tested “weak positive” but had no symptoms or sickness related to the virus. The city’s agricultural and fisheries department has yet to determine whether the dog really got the virus, or it was just “a result of environmental contamination of its mouth and nose” (being in close contact with its owner). Sadly, after the Pom tested negative for the virus and finished its quarantine, it died two days after returning home. Some animal-welfare experts have suggested the dog’s death could have been caused by the stress of being quarantined and separated from its owner (especially with its advanced age). A second pet dog in Hong Kong has tested positive after its owner was confirmed as being infected, but the dog showed no signs of disease. The Society for the Protection of Animals in Hong Kong said being infected is NOT the same as being infectious (capable of spreading the virus). Basically, if a person can transmit the virus to a dog, the dog may not get sick at all. And, there is NO evidence that any person has been infected by a dog. However, a dog who is pet by an infected person could act as a surface for transmitting the virus (which is different than infecting pet to person). Make sense? Hong Kong’s department of agriculture urges pet owners NOT to be overly concerned and under NO circumstances should they abandon their pets. And The World Organisation for Animal Health, based in France also emphasized there was no evidence pets spread the disease, or even get sick themselves. “There is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare,” it said. How to prepare: Have a plan in place for your pets Develop a strategy in case you may not be able to care for your pets due to severe illness or hospitalization. Contact a neighbor, your vet clinic and/or a local boarding facility to secure temporary housing in your time of need. If your pet requires routine care while you are sick, reschedule to a later date. If your pet requires immediate or emergency care, alert your vet clinic that you have been ill so they can take effective measures to protect themselves from exposure. If you need to quarantine or shelter-in-place, make sure you have the following items for your pets that will last 2-4 weeks: • Food and water • Prescriptions and preventative medications (including flea, tick, etc.) • Emergency and hygiene supplies You should always have a plan in place for your pets in case of any disaster. Here are a few tips: 1) Make sure family, friends, or neighbors who are willing to assist you have access to pet carriers and emergency kits as well as written permission to act on your behalf. 2) Keep vaccinations and preventative care up to date and give medical records and veterinary contact information to your pet's designated caregiver. Include microchip information and recent photos of you with your pet for identification. 3) Make a list of medications you give your pet(s) and how/when to administer. 4) If your pet or service animal becomes ill after being around someone with COVID-19, talk with the public health official working with the person -- they can consult with a public health veterinarian who can provide assistance to your veterinarian to ensure they are appropriately evaluated. During the COVID-19 crisis and anytime, it is a good idea to practice healthy habits around your pets. They are part of the family and a source of joy and companionship in these trying times!


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