Amidst the current period of recommended self-isolation, many of us will be concerned on how to care for our pets at home.
It is a confusing time to understand what Covid-19 means for our animals an so, ITCHpet.com has provided information from their in-house vet, Zoe Costigan on how to care for your pet during this time.
Pets & Covid-19
As outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is no confirmed evidence to suggest that pets carry or are susceptible to the human strain of Covid-19.
Zoe continued: “As we are still learning about this virus, it would be prudent to limit your contact with your pets if you think you could have Covid-1. If feasible, have another member of your family takeover the exercising, feeding and playing of your pet.
“We want to emphasise that cat and dog coronaviruses are not the same. Covid-19 does not spread between dogs and cats, and it has recently been announced that pets can’t spread the virus to humans.”
Cats & Coronavirus
Cats and dogs have their own coronaviruses, which are not the same as Covid-19 and are species specific. Coronavirus is a very common occurrence in cats and has been for decades, it often causes no clinical signs, although in rare cases the virus mutates to cause a disease known as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).
Dogs & Coronavirus
Dogs carry their own strain of coronavirus. In dog’s coronavirus, symptoms are usually mild, but it can cause severe diarrhea in young puppies. These diseases have nothing to do with human coronavirus.
It’s worth clarifying that one suspected case of coronavirus in a dog form Honk Kong has yet to be proven and tests continue to be conducted. Infectious disease experts and the World Health Organisation agree – as there’s no evidence at this stage to indicate that our pets can become ill with Covid-19 or can spread it to other animals or people. Person to person transmission is how Covid-19 is spread.
Zoe’s advice on how to protect your pet during this time:
1 Ongoing treatment
- IN much the same way that you can protect pets every day, proven methodology includes making sure your pets are up to date on vaccinations and using preventative treatments for fleas, ticks and worms.
- During this time, it’s incredibly important to continue treating your animals, and ITCHpet.com are here to help, delivering to your door monthly for flea products and quarterly for worms.
- We have to carry on caring for our pets as usual. If they seem unwell, monitor them and if it progresses, contact your local vet.
2 Stay aware
- Keep up to date with the WHO announcements, we are learning more about the virus every day and how it affects animals and pets.
3 Keep calm
- Focus on looking after you and your pet the best way you can. In a period of isolation, pet parents are very lucky to have a buddy to keep them company.
For more information visit www.ITCHpet.com
