These are challenging times and, for many, not knowing how the health crisis can impact our daily activities can understandably make us anxious. Rather than worrying about our own and our pets’ health and safety, we should educate ourselves about how COVID-19 can affect us, and what measures to take to help contain and mitigate the spread of the virus. This knowledge can help you and your animals better weather this storm.
Now that tigers and lions at the Bronx Zoo have tested positive for COVID-19, the question is, are our pets safe? Medical experts and human and animal health groups worldwide see no indication that pets spread COVID-19 to other animals and to people.
The only potential risk for transmission would be if an infected person coughed on the fur or hair of an animal, and then touched the animal immediately after.
The CDC does, however, recommend the following guidelines if you suspect anyone in your home has the virus:
If you get sick
- Avoid close contact with your pet and wash your hands before and after every interaction. If possible, get someone else to care for your animal while you are sick.
- Create a plan in advance in case you require hospitalization. Arrange to board your pet with someone who’s willing to care for them.
- If you need to be quarantined, prepare your pet’s needs. Stock up on 2 to 4 weeks’ worth of food, medications, litter, and other supplies.
- Write down relevant information for your pet’s caregiver, including veterinarian contact info, medical records, your pet’s habits and behavioral tendencies, and food preferences.
Your pet’s needs during the pandemic
- Bring your pet to the veterinarian only for urgent needs. If you are sick, make arrangements for someone else to bring your animal to the vet.
- Keep your pet well-groomed. Bathe him weekly, and regularly clean your pet’s food and water bowls, beddings, and toys.
- Keep yourself mentally healthy so you can provide your pet with a safe, secure environment. Maintain proper physical distancing when going on walks, and choose to throw the ball or play with toys in the yard.
- Keep in mind that your stress can affect your pets. If your pet senses your stress, it can result in anxious behaviors such as barking, aggressive or destructive behavior, urinating or defecating in the house, and restlessness. Be calm and patient with them.
Sheltering in Place
Many things have occurred in just the past few weeks. Schools and public spaces where people gather, such as bars and restaurants, have closed. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has called on medical providers, including veterinarians, to cease elective surgeries.
These events can be particularly worrisome for pet owners. But having a pet has been shown to positively impact on human health. Interacting with an animal can help decrease blood pressure as well as cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Companion animals can alleviate loneliness and depression, especially for seniors.
In the midst of this pandemic you could, like Realtor Michelle McQuade, continue to staunchly support animal organizations such as Rescue Village, which helps care for many of our pets during these troubled times.
And if you’d like to explore some Cleveland real estate and find a new place that you and your pet can call home, check out my Featured Listings. You can also give me a call. I’m a top Cleveland Realtor who’s committed to bringing you the very best options in homes for sale in Cleveland. Contact me at 440.823.2449 or send an email to MichelleMcQuade(at)HowardHanna(dotted)com today.